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Lopsided 1800[ALL/1998] posted by Mark on
Wednesday, 24 December 1997, at 4:20 p.m.
I just finished replacing all of the bushings on the front of my 1800ES. The project was inspired by the fact that the driver's side front of the care was about 1.5 inches lower that passenger side (which causes the rear passenger to be 3/4 inch higher). As part of the project, I also replaced the springs. Bushings seemed okay, but there was an obvious problem with the Koni shocks (installed in '77). One of the washers that is supposed to cup the rubber bushing was installed upside down. Instead of cupping, it worked as a wedge and ate up the bushing. I couldn't hear anything, but the worn bushing allowed the wheel to travel +1/4 inch undampened. I thought this might have caused the driver's side spring to wear out faster than the passenger spring. Unfortunately, even with new springs, the passenger side is still an inch lower. Control arms seem okay. Any clues as to what/how to check for the problem? Seems like it has to be the lower control arm.
By the way, I have 195/60's and the ipd springs are TOO LOW for my tastes. I would have to wear a baseball cap backwards in order to look right in the car. Good thing about the return policy. Was told no modifications necessary for lower springs, but have to cut down front bumper stop and shorten rear axel straps. Not willing to perform unecessary surgery on my baby.
Would appreciate thoughts on how to determine cause of lopsided problem.
Mark
1973 1800ES
Re: Lopsided 1800[ALL/1998] posted by Glenn Goodspeed on
Wednesday, 24 December 1997, at 6:14 p.m.
IPD does have a liberal return policy. I bought a clutch from them once that went bad in a year's time, and it obviously was defective. They sent me another one, no charge, and even let me specify a different brand.
The "lopsided" problem sounds to me like something is bent out of shape. Check the left lower control arm first. You'll have to devise a way to measure the curvature of it (maybe a straightedge and a ruler) and compare it with the one on the other side of the car. Also check the control arm bushings and lower balljoints for excessive wear.
If none of these items looks bad, it is possible that the front crossmember is or the frame is bent.
You might also consult someone knowledgeable about Koni shocks. I understand they are adjustable, but having never owned them, I don't know what kind of adjustments are possible. -Glenn.
Goodspeed's Volvo 1800 Newsletter