Pulling badly to the left - most likely cause?

[spyda]

I have mentioned this in my other post but for the sake of keeping things simple ... I want to devote a new thread to it.

My S40 2.0T SE ('V' plate) pulls very badly to the left. I can actually see the steering wheel rotate to the left as soon as I let go of the wheel.

Now, a little history ...

I had the o/s/f spring replaced about 6 months ago. I don't recall noticing the veering to the left immediately afterwards, but it's possible. I was not impressed with the garage that did the job although I do know they used the right spring for the car. They seemed to struggle with the compression clamps and getting the spring back on the strut was not easy for them.

After it was done it felt more solid but I was still getting the creaking noise I took it in with. The removed spring was snapped so this was not helping but it was obviously not the sole cause. I was told the spring will need to 'bed in' a little so the creaking would disappear. I never went back!

Since, I have looked elsewhere for the cause of the creek and have found that the engine mounts are in need of attention.

Before I replace the mounts, I need to know what's causing the pulling. My car has been assessed by Volvo and they have suggested that several components need changing, among which are:

OSF ball joint (control arm complete)
Rear tracking arms
Top suspension mounts

There are others (as detailed in my other recent post) but these are not likely to cause the pulling.

The car has been tracked up several times and has been spot on each time, however, the n/s/f tyre is scrubbing on the outer edge (which is why I had suspected tracking). The wheels have also been swapped front and back n/s to eliminate tyre issues.

So, given the above, what would you guys say is the most likely cause of the severe pulling?

Thanks in advance.

[AJA]

If you're tyre is wearing on the outer edge I would say your suspension geometry is well out. Get it alined properly by a garage with the laser kit matey.

Having said that though, the Ball Joint, Tracking rod ends, and suspension mounts could also be the cause. It may be time to put your hands very deeply in your pockets matey.

[spyda]

Laser kit already deployed, by several garages now and everything lines up...

[AJA]

Might be time to spend some money with Volvo then matey?

[Clan]

if one side wears and not the other it is not toe-in as both sides would wear, you need to look at the camber on that side , or caster ( neither of which which can be adjusted ) If you have had a 4 wheel align surely they would have picked up a discrepancy? If there are a lot of roundabouts in your area and you are running your tyre pressures on the low sidfe that could account for the outer edge wear ....

Does the car still pull to the same extent when you swap the front wheels over ? I assume when you are on a straight FLAT road and the car is going straight you are having to hold the wheel un-naturaly to the right and the steering wheel is straight at that time?

[spyda]

Originally Posted by Clan

you need to look at the camber on that side , or caster ( neither of which which can be adjusted )

Great - where does that leave me if it cannot be adjusted ?!

If you have had a 4 wheel align surely they would have picked up a discrepancy? If there are a lot of roundabouts in your area and you are running your tyre pressures on the low sidfe that could account for the outer edge wear ....

I've never really taken notice of the amount of roudabouts but I guess there are a few. Tyre pressures though, usually kept upto pressure and even all round.

Does the car still pull to the same extent when you swap the front wheels over ?

I haven't done so as the tyres are directional. Guess I could try it for a short time though ...

I assume when you are on a straight FLAT road and the car is going straight you are having to hold the wheel un-naturaly to the right and the steering wheel is straight at that time?

Correct. Constantly wanting to pull to the left and when it does the steering wheel goes off-center.

Does this help solve the mystery? :-)

[scottishvolvo]

I have always replaced pairs of springs, never one at a time. If the right hand spring is stronger than the left I would assume the car would want to go left, maybe not though.
I would sort out the top mounts as well as if they are sitting squint the geometry might changed once the car is moving, this could be done at the same time as checking/replacing the springs.
I was always under the impression the rear geometry could be adjusted though my car is a '98 2.0T.
Hope this helps, but I doubt it.
Just a thought, Are your brakes OK?
Chris

[Clan]

Originally Posted by spyda

Great - where does that leave me if it cannot be adjusted ?!


I've never really taken notice of the amount of roudabouts but I guess there are a few. Tyre pressures though, usually kept upto pressure and even all round.


I haven't done so as the tyres are directional. Guess I could try it for a short time though ...


Correct. Constantly wanting to pull to the left and when it does the steering wheel goes off-center.

Does this help solve the mystery? :-)

If the castor or camber (front) are out then something is bent ... The rear is adjustable to some extent

All tyres have a slight pull one way or another usualy one side cancels out the other but worth swapping wheels to see the effect ...

You really need a set of figures from the 4 wheel alignment to start with here .... then go from there ...