I am a first time volvo owner , Long time admirer, I finally purchased my first. A 1984 244gl . 97,000 miles from the original owner when I first got her. Other than a bad rack(55) at a junkyard I have really liked her. I immediately replacd all fluids ,except rear diff and axle will do soon. I replaced all belts . And am working on doing the hoses and lines next. Just prevantative maintanence, Anyways. I had the front calipers done(new front) and it has been a few weeks and I am having problems with alignment.The car pulls left and handles very poorly , seemingly suddenly. I took it to the local guy, frame and alignment place. and he came back with the following measurements. I will list actual , them minimal then nominal then maximum.

For the Camber left side. 0.3 and the right side --0.1. min is .25 the nom is .63 and the max 1.00

The Caster is lft 2.6 and rght 3.6 the min is 3.00 nom is 3.5 and max 4.0

The Toe is lft .06 and rght .07 min .03 nom .06 max .09


Cross camber .4 min --.50 nom 0.00 max .50
Cross Caster --0.9 min .-.50 nom 0.0 max .50
Total Toe ..13 min.06 nom .13 max .19

When I drive the car it sways left. It handles very poorly.It doesn't corner well either. And I could swear than the bumps are smooth as much either. I have already since this alignment had a basic front end inspection Nothing worn bent or broken. I have rotated the tires , checked the air pressure and no prevailing luck. I hear no suspension related noises. and feel nothin in the wheel other thatn a little chatter from the rotors. another issue. Also related or not the drive shaft rattles at 20-30 mph slowly increasing then after 30 goes away. I believe it the rubber suppourt carrier bearing. But not related . Just figured I thow it all in . I 'd appreciate any help . Email me @ askmrknow@yahoo.com directly. Brett Please help .

Hello Newbie -

First a Brickboard support question. Why do you want the answers sent to your email, where they cannot be read by other Brickboard members? Others may have similar problems, and there are some really sharp owners here that often help.

Is there a shop in your area that knows Volvo RWD, and can check the alignment? The "Alignment 'R Us" shops may not know the ins and outs of our front suspension members and the methods of adjusting camber and caster.

Do a little check yourself. With a front wheel jacked to be just off the ground, grasp it at 12 0-clock and 6 0-clock and give it a push-pull. Slack in that direction indicates a possible problem with the front wheel bearings.

Grasp at 3 0-clock and 9 0-clock and do the same push-pull. Slack in that direction indicates a possible problem in the tie rod end joints and inner joints, and maybe even ball joints.

Failing in the rear bushings can be another problem.

I am fortunate in that Houston has several such good shops. If you are in that area, post back and I'll pass on their locations.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Hey Bob. Where in Houston do you go for alignment work. I am in need.

Charles

Nilsson Automotive, Ojeman St. south from Long Point in the Spring Branch area. 713-465-8206 Tell Nils that Bob C. sent you. He is not cheap - Volvo parts only unless they aren't available. I have been using him since my first brick, a 1975 245DL bought in 1977.

Had a reman p/s rack on wifemobile last spring, ran around $750. I didn't have time/energy to do it, and the car is key to our git-along. Job included new tie rod ends, boots and alignment.

Regards,

Bob

:>)