The '96 850 was back in for an alignment (under warranty), and once again the toe in the front was off, as well as the toe in the rear right. Before the last alignment the inner and outer tie rods (both sides) were replaced, as well as the entire front and rear suspension. A year and a half ago the steering rack was replaced with a rebuilt Maval unit. Today, before the alignment, the tech and I went over the entire car and everything was in terrific shape. The only thing of which I can think is that the car is hitting the sidewalk to fast as the car comes from the street to the driveway. The toe was reset, and the car is good to go, I just want to keep the alignment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Danke :)

How many miles on the car? Any creaking or clunking from the front end going over small bumps? Were the strut mounts checked?

It should hold alignment well and yes, there is a rear alignment adjustment point between the two rear "delta" trailing axles. (I forgot what Volvo called their rear suspension system on this car.) The tech will loosen the bolt in the center then adjust the spacing between the two arms traversing the rear of the car with a prybar which sets the rear toe-in I believe.

A four-wheel alignment is critical on the 850. I had mine done annually by a local alignment shop that provided me a print-out for my records. I don't recall which but there was always one corner that was at it's adjustment limit when brought into spec.

Before moving from Memphis to Roanoke, a couple of weeks after putting new tires on, I had a quick alignment job done at the local Firestone shop. They nailed it and the improvement was shocking. It wasn't bad before but had a tiny pull to the right. After that job it was dead neutral. I had to go back by the shop and tell them what a great job they did.

My wife dive-bombs the driveway coming in off the street and I cringe when I watch. Take it easy on that ramp and you should be fine.

Cheers,

Erwin in Roanoke

'88 745T, 205,000 miles, sold
'94 945T, 117,000 miles,
'95 855T, 150,000 miles

Please let me apologize for the lack of elucidation. What I meant by the entire front end has been replaced in the past year, year and a half, is that the following have installed: Bilstein struts and shocks; Sachs strut mount bearings; Sachs spring seats; Volvo bump stops; Sachs shock mounts; Maval rebuilt steering rack; TRW inner and outer tie-rods. Of course, both sides were done for each part. The alignment tech did, and always does, the full four wheel alignment on the 850-as opposed to my Scirocco where one can only do a two wheel alignment.

I am really of the belief that it is simply an issue of the car hitting the sidewalk too hard, so hopefully my parents will be a little more careful. I greatly appreciate all of the help, and I will report back in a few days. In about two weeks, I am going to take the car back to the alignment shop and see what the numbers are. Have a most splendid Wednesday one and all :)

Your questions raise more questions. First, I wasn't aware that on the 850 there were any adjustment points on the rear suspension. In fact I've been told that there is no rear alignment procedure for this car. Second, what do you mean by "the entire front and rear suspension". That would be thousands of $. Finally, an alignment is only as good as the technician and equipment used.

You don't have any real pot holes in southern California, but that curb in front of your driveway must be respected! The wheel is turned almost to lock when hitting that 4 inch bump and puts a LOT of stress on the steering. Treat that curb with respect and very slow speed.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Thank you Klaus! My parents do indeed almost come to a stop before coming upon the sidewalk, but I will stress to them the importance of taking it easy. Have a most splendid evening :)

I never thought it would be your parents, but YOU heading into the driveway after midnight!! LOL

Take it easy and have fun,

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)