Hello All,

I know this is a forum dedicated to 850 (of which I have two). However a lot of you own newer Volvos too, and I have a question that some of you might have the answer to. I have posted this question on the XC90 forum, but I think there is a larger and more active audience on this forum.

I have a 2016 XC90 T8 Hybrid Plug-In. I have 30,000 miles on it and the tires need to be replaced. I was told by the Volvo service writer I can only properly have the wheel alignment performed at the Volvo dealership. The reasons I was given were that an independent shop can perform a mechanical wheel alignment, but to properly set the alignment, you must also "re-calibrate" the electric motors that provide the power steering. You can only do that with access to Volvo's VIDA software data base. If you do not properly re-calibrate the electric motors that provide power steering function, your tires will wear out prematurely. I was told that Audi, BMW and M-B have the same proprietary software that is required for a wheel alignment. If this is true, it effectively gives Volvo a "monopoly" on wheel alignments. That doesn't sound right. I am hoping that some members of this forum maybe be able to confirm what I am being told is true or not and if I have options other than the Volvo dealer. Thanks to all who reply.

Hugh

Did you know that under an extreme situation your 850s are designed to steer at the rear? A Volvo engineer mentioned this in Rolling Magazine.

I would ask an independant alighment shop about this situation.

My tire shop does alignments for small repair shops and was recmmended by a local hot rod builder. I have been going to them since 1964.

You might also ask the dealer what they charge to do this procedure, and if it is reasonable, have then do it - you could get a free wash and clean-up as well!

BTW how does their price compare to other shops? - possibly manned by techs that do not really know what they are doing.

I do agree that alignment may be over sold - if they do a bad job and your tires wear unevenly - they say - well you must have hit a bad bump"

Jim,

I got an answer. A friend of mine works for corporate Volvo. The friend spoke to a Volvo chassis engineer. This engineer confirmed that Volvo recommended that when tires are replaced, the alignment should be checked. Also, the electric motor (s?) that provide the power steering should be re-calibrated. Recalibrating these electric motors requires down loading software from the Volvo VIDA software platform. For a straight wheel alignment, my local dealer charges $200. If I want a lifetime warranty, the cost would be $275. The alignment would include the "mechanical" checking of the alignment and then the recalibration of the electric motors that provide the power steering function.

I am a little disappointed that Volvo has in essence a "monopoly" on wheel alignments, but what are you going to do?

Hugh

Gosh, why has everything become so complicated.

I don't have the answer you're looking for, but unless the tires are wearing unevenly, I wouldn't get an alignment.
I think I've only had two alignments since getting my first car in 1978 and generally get at least 60,000 miles out of a set of tires. Usually more.

Alschnerts,

I have been thinking about skipping the alignment too, because the current tires have worn evenly and the car doesn't drift to one side. I guess I am motivated by the desire to protect the investment in the tires. The Pirelli Scorpion Verde tires are over $200 each. Also, when I get alignment, I will pay the additional fee of a "lifetime warranty". I will pay once and never have to pay again. But thank you for your recommendation.

Hugh

I kinda have to agree with Tom. Alignments have to be one of the most over-sold services when it comes to car maintenance.

If the tires didn't wear abnormally and the car rolls straight down the road then I would consider another option like order the tires you want from one of the online tire houses like Tire Rack, Simple Tires, Tires-Easy, Amazon, etc. - wherever you find the best price. They'll deliver them to your house often with free shipping. Then throw them in the back of the vehicle and head down to the local mom and pop tire shop (preferably not one of the big rip-off chain stores) and have them mounted for $50-60. Skip the alignment. You will most likely come out of it for much less that $1400.

--
Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (getting ever closer to road worthiness)

Chris,

Thank you for your recommendation too. I did put out some inquiries with people "knowledgeable" about the Volvo brand to find out if it is indeed necessary to recalibrate the electric motors that provide the power steering function, when you check the alignment. That part of the "story" I was told by the Volvo service writer doesn't make sense because it would give Volvo a "monopoly" on alignments and drive independent chains like Firestone out of business.

Hugh