Steering feels odd at higher speeds

[OWF]

Hi there,

The steering on my 2005 xc70 seems to have a different feel to what I remember it being like a few weeks ago. There are no noises or unusual resistance when turning left or right at all, the difference seems only noticeable when going quicker where the steering becomes rather unsteady and vague at roughly 55mph and above.

Rocking the steering very small amounts left and right when going in a straight line gives an unusual sensation through the wheel. It seems there is a quite a delay between the action of steering and the car turning.

The steering wheel / column position was moved around and changed for the first time in years probably quite recently. I wonder if this has any link to the issue.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[Brendan W]

Originally Posted by OWF

The steering wheel / column position was moved around and changed for the first time in years probably quite recently. I wonder if this has any link to the issue.

Was the steering wheel taken off?
Is the nut tight?

[Longhouse21]

Tyre pressures? if its a recent change.
Other option is tracking, anything else I would have thought would creep on slowly like control arm bushes or similar wear.

[Longhouse21]

Originally Posted by OWF

The steering wheel / column position was moved around and changed...

If you mean you just adjusted the column angle, wheel height, try putting it back into the old position and see if the "issue" goes way

[oragex]

As above, the first and easiest check is tire pressure all around then look at the wishbone rear bush if it's torn (turn the wheel to lock)

When you say 'steering wheel' has changed position, perhaps you mean is no longer sitting 'straight' when driving in a straight line. This is straight away indicating the geometry is off. Usually happens when hitting a larger pothole. If you also had suspension parts replaced during the last 2 years, worth inspecting these if parts where aftermarket - in particular the ball joints

Also let us know if tires were replaced recently

[OWF]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

Was the steering wheel taken off?
Is the nut tight?

The wheel itself hasn't been taken off, just the position has been changed using the lever on the side.

[OWF]

Originally Posted by Longhouse21

Tyre pressures? if its a recent change.
Other option is tracking, anything else I would have thought would creep on slowly like control arm bushes or similar wear.

Will check the tyre pressures tomorrow.

I have had the tracking done quite recently (within half a year) so should hopefully be ok with that.

Will also take a look at control arm bushings, is there any obvious signs I should be looking for?

Thanks.

[MisterGee19]

As above, id check the tyre pressures first.

If they are ok and your still not happy, maybe get the wheel tracking checked? - youll be amazed how much tracking and alignment affect the feel of the steering and indeed the whole car!

[OWF]

Originally Posted by Longhouse21

If you mean you just adjusted the column angle, wheel height, try putting it back into the old position and see if the "issue" goes way

The column was adjusted only by the angle. I couldn't actually adjust the height.

At the time I was sure you could adjust the height on these cars so I did try pulling / pushing with a little force to attempt some form of height adjustment but it wouldnt move.

Maybe that could be the issue? Trying to adjust the height I have caused a loose connection of some sort.

[OWF]

Originally Posted by MisterGee19

As above, id check the tyre pressures first.

If they are ok and your still not happy, maybe get the wheel tracking checked? - youll be amazed how much tracking and alignment affect the feel of the steering and indeed the whole car!

Thanks for the suggestions I will take a look tomorrow at the pressures. I have had 4 wheel alignment done fairly recently by my local Volvo dealer and there is no sign of pulling to one side when braking or driving.


Is the column that is adjustable only for the angle or can the height be adjusted as well?

Thanks.