Steering: turning circle v70

[Richard Swinney]

My S60R with 18" Pegasus is a dream to drive, but turns like a supertanker.

There are some places (like the car park at MENA) where I just won't go now - cos i know I have to reverse to get enough lock to get out of the place.

When it's full after a concert, I'm really not popular..... appologies to those i delayed getting out after Michael Mcintyre last year....:-(

Richard

[coughlanc]

My V70 is up for sale on eBay at the moment. A prospective buyer came to view and test drive it today. He came back 15 minutes after setting off to explain that he'd attempeted a u-turn at a local mini-roundabout and failed miserably. I did assure him that this "unique" feature is not just standard on my V70 but nearly every other one that he will drive.
He didn't seem too impressed. :-/

[Brendan W]

Can't help but think this is all down to fitting wheels that are just too big. If the car could turn on a pin with 245 18s , someone would be out there selling 275 20s. I can't find fault with the 205 16 set up which may be overshod actually. But then I judge wheels and tyres from the inside of the car. The big wheel thing has lost the run of itself imho - for road cars anyway.

[RM955I]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

Can't help but think this is all down to fitting wheels that are just too big. If the car could turn on a pin with 245 18s , someone would be out there selling 275 20s. I can't find fault with the 205 16 set up which may be overshod actually. But then I judge wheels and tyres from the inside of the car. The big wheel thing has lost the run of itself imho - for road cars anyway.

Big wheels...a fad that needs to die. I have 17s on mine but would be quite happy with 16s, a bigger sidewall and better comfort (not that the 17s are bad). The obsession with fat ultra low profile is beyond me given the state of our roads. There's also a hell of a difference in the price of 16s and 17s which is largely driven by demand.

[Jim314]

My V70 came with 195/65-15 tyres on Volvo Saurus 15" wheels, and I have seen no reason to change them. I think the turning radius is the same with 205/55-16s so that is a choice for people who think that they need above the minimum wheels.

Some of the uptrim models of V70 have brake components which will not fit inside 15" wheels and even some of the narrowest Volvo 16" wheels, but I think that the largest Volvo 16" wheels will accomodate the largest brake components that Volvo offer. Is this correct?

[Gazdok]

All PII Volvos that came factory fitted with "small wheels" like 195s have a better turning circle as they have a smaller deflection limiter. This is different from the white, blue or black steering lock limiters which sit visible on the front of the steering arms.
The deflection limiter sits under the rubber boot and comes in 2 sizes.
I had my deflection limiters changed from large (for 225/45-17) to small (for 195/65-15) last year but only after having fitted spacers to the front wheels about 2 years ago and trying to drive with no lock limiters. If you simply fit smaller steering lock limiters or take them off completely you will not be able to reduce the steering circle much. Only the change of deflection limiters does the trick.

And this large turning circle seems unique to PII Volvos. Other manufacturers with FWD and large tyres managed to produce far smaller turning circles. And Volvo has learnt too. All the new ones have about a metre less.

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by Georgeandkira

Hello, We swap our 2002 V70 and 2005 Saab Aero from time to time. I've never heard the turning radius of the V70 mentioned. Also, all this mentioning of tyre rubbing has me puzzled. Are you using these cars as designed or seeking something which isn't there? Kira

george in the uk we have much smaller roads . and multi story car park with spiral ramps to the different levels and mini roundabouts with tighter radiuses than the p2 volvos have turning circle . it can be quite embarassing at times when there are cars behind

[John97Tdi]

Better late than never! I do hope 'George' hasn't been waiting with bated breath for someone to reply.

John

[Simmy]

george is always on here an will read all posts he might be waiting but kira wont . if you know you know. its about volvo info not a timing thing.