S80 Wheel Alignment

[Kev0607]

Hi all,

I've recently purchased a 2007 S80 2.4 D. I'm getting new front lower Control Arms fitted to the vehicle soon, as I noticed that the bushes were perished & there's movement when you use a pry bar to replicate bumps when its jacked up. After these have been fitted, I intend to get an alignment as one should.

However, I've heard that these vehicles need to have a four wheel laser alignment that uses some form of cameras to see the toe angle etc on each wheel, as opposed to some places that seem to adjust the front end suspension only. Is this true? If so, do you have any suggestions as to where I could get a four wheel laser alignment done in the Manchester/Stockport area & what the approximate cost would be?

Thank you

[green van man]

I have always used my local dealer for wheel alignment. I baught the car from another dealer and found it did not drive like my previous volvo did, put it in to be checked and dealer reset the steering alignment. It was explained to me as, while it was set within volvo tolerances it was not set to what we have found works . We have reset it to our settings see how it goes.. difference of chalk and cheese. I belive it is a 4 wheel alignment the dealer used.
I am happy to pay the price my local dealer charges because what they do works I have had 4 wheel alignment carried out at other places and it took 3 visits to get the steering wheel streight.

Paul.

[Whyman]

If you are getting it done you need to have Hunter 4 wheel laser alignment.

Quite specialised and some places just do this all day and know what they are doing. Just Google it to find someone near you.

[Kev0607]

Thanks for your help. I'll have a look on Google for places that do this type of alignment.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Whyman

If you are getting it done you need to have Hunter 4 wheel laser alignment.

Quite specialised and some places just do this all day and know what they are doing. Just Google it to find someone near you.

it isn't the make of equipment which makes the difference it is how the operator him/herself interprets the readings , keeps the machine updated and in good order and makes the necessary adjustments and re checks and actually understands what is going on rather than just going through a pre learned process ... and also it is important to get the latest alignment data from volvo which does alter now and again , a great deal of these multi car manufacturer wheel alignment machines are never updated with current data ..

[Ian21401]

Haven’t needed alignment done very often on my rear wheel drive 940. Daughter’s previous V50 and current XC70 have both required alignment in the recent past. I didn’t specifically search for 4 wheel alignment but the alignments were performed with devices aligned on the rear wheels as well as the front wheels. Does that qualify as 4 wheel alignment?
However, the old problem of, is the kit up to standard and does the operator know what he is doing? rears it’s head. Plus the ongoing problem of maintaining the straight ahead position of the steering wheel. Why do they seem to think that this is not important? I find a place and operator that is satisfactory, but next time I go the guy I trusted has moved on and I’m dealing with someone else. Daughter’s XC70 had work done during warranty which upset the alignment and had to be returned twice as the steering wheel was off centre.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

Haven’t needed alignment done very often on my rear wheel drive 940. Daughter’s previous V50 and current XC70 have both required alignment in the recent past. I didn’t specifically search for 4 wheel alignment but the alignments were performed with devices aligned on the rear wheels as well as the front wheels. Does that qualify as 4 wheel alignment?
However, the old problem of, is the kit up to standard and does the operator know what he is doing? rears it’s head. Plus the ongoing problem of maintaining the straight ahead position of the steering wheel. Why do they seem to think that this is not important? I find a place and operator that is satisfactory, but next time I go the guy I trusted has moved on and I’m dealing with someone else. Daughter’s XC70 had work done during warranty which upset the alignment and had to be returned twice as the steering wheel was off centre.

Regarding the steering wheel , that is a primary function of 4 wheel alignment machines , the wheel is clamped in the straight position and the 4 wheels aligned straight around this and the centre line of the car , so in theory it has to drive straight ..and usually does . However tyres , and road camber can affect the steering wheel angle when driving ..
you are lucky on the 940 , they were built much more accurately so what ever was bolted on such as the rear axle was automatically straight . ( it had to be because you can't really adjust an axle ! )

[Zebster]

Doesn't have to be a Hunter... and places with a Hunter are often really expensive! Had mine checked last week on a Supertracker (4 wheel check with steering wheel clamped to the seat). Minor camber adjustment required on rear nearside (while I watched and chatted to the guy) for only £20 cash.

[Ian21401]

Originally Posted by Zebster

Doesn't have to be a Hunter... and places with a Hunter are often really expensive! Had mine checked last week on a Supertracker (4 wheel check with steering wheel clamped to the seat). Minor camber adjustment required on rear nearside (while I watched and chatted to the guy) for only £20 cash.

That sounds like the type of place I am used to dealing with.
I knew Hunter was more expensive and having just watched the Hunter videos I can understand why. That kit must be quite an investment.

[Tatsfield]

Several years ago I remarked on the cost of a Hunter rig to my preferred tyre shop and they said that it had cost them over £30,000. It probably costs even more today.