P3 V70 - Doesn't feel stable over uneven roads.

[m4tt]

Hi,
Recently bought a P3 V70, 57/2007 2.4d geartronic. Generally very pleased with the car and the thought that clearly went into the design details.

Not sure if this is a problem or just the fact the suspension is designed for comfort rather than speed/handling.

When driving over uneven surfaces or hit a pot holes the rear of the car (particularly NSR over drains) feels very unsettled almost like it is squirrelling. Reminds me of how my old 9-5 felt when one of the shocks had failed. Had a quick check this eve and couldn't see any obvious signs of failure on the shock.

So is this just how they are, or can anyone suggest what might be the issue?

Cheers.

[anonymous-user]

Sounds very much like tired rear dampers - does it also feel unsettled at speed? They are usually knackered long before there is visible oil leaking. What is the mileage on the car?

[m4tt]

Mileage is 54k. Feels ok at speed on motorways, not done much a/b road stuff. The unsettled feeling over rough roads seems constant, irrespective of speed.

[morgrp]

first things first, check the tyre pressures as its free and easy to do, on a heavy motor like a V70 I tend to run them around the 34psi in normal conditions (obviously heavy loads require more) Tyres should be matching either side too. Next step is then to look at suspension. I'd also double check you haven't got a seized rear caliper

[m4tt]

Tyres are matching and new, all run at 2.6bar (as per manual). How best to check for seized calliper?

[m4tt]

Tyres are matching and new, all run at 2.6bar (as per manual). How best to check for seized calliper?

[morgrp]

Pulling under braking, also the disc will have a bluish tinge to it through over heating - they to seize up when they get warm and then free off after they have cooled down again
Also check for manky, rusty rear discs where the caliper is not applying even pressure and cleaning up the discs

[m4tt]

Thanks for all the replies. Took it into the local indy (who supplied the car) they checked it over and came for a test drive. No problem found, just me getting used to the characteristics of the car.

[morgrp]

Yeah, never take that sort of diagnosis as read - I diagnosed a noisy one way roller in the alternator on Mrs Morgrp's brand new kia and told her to take it back where the kia "technician" claimed to hear nothing, so I just told mrs morgrp to leave it until the alternator failed completely which it duly did and got it replaced on warranty - needless to say I enjoyed taking that one back to the "technician" - point of the story is if the car feels wrong, it probably is - worn shocks will be hard to diagnose by someone unless you know the cars well or have another for comparison - shove a set of bilsteins on the rear, the car will feel much better for it regardless of whether the old ones needs replacing or not

[italian job]

Might be worth getting an
alignment check carried out,as the tyres are new they wouldn't show any adverse wear characteristics yet.Certainly can't hurt.

[Carsey]

My v70 is currently doing the same thing... Last time 4 wheel tracking from reputable tyre shop transformed the car... After having muppets repair recent pothole damage... It's now booked back in the have 4 wheel alignment AGAIN!

[MYOB]

m4tt said:

Took it into the local indy (who supplied the car) they checked it over and came for a test drive. No problem found, just me getting used to the characteristics of the car.

Why don't you take it to a Volvo dealers for a proper diagnostic? It doesn't sound right to me. MY previous V70 did not behave that way and the rear bushes are prone to failing on these cars.