Ever since I purchased my 68 plate R design in 2019, the steering has felt too sensitive. No matter what speed I'm driving, the steering is too light/sensitive. Also, imperfections in road surface alter direction of the front wheels (similar to tramlining), even painted lane markings take hold of the front wheels. Has anyone else experienced similar issues, or provide any advice about what could be causing the issue? (My car doesn't have adjustable speed dependant steering option).
Steering
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Yes, I get this too. 2018 R Design.
Thanks HP. I did notice the issue when I first took it out for a test drive, (presumed it was just the road surfaces near the dealership). It had a different set of wheels on the test drive, the dealer upgraded the wheels to sweeten the deal. So I can rule out tyres being the culprit. Altering pressure hasn't made any difference. Next step will be getting the tracking/alignment checked. Though another thing to point out, I'm not experiencing the usual issues associated with poor wheel alignment, there's no uneven tyre wear, car doesn't pull on level roads.
Willowbrae, have you had your tracking/alignment checked?
Willowbrae, have you had your tracking/alignment checked?
The problem was there even before the wheels where upgraded.
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Hi, the car was recently bought through the Volvo Selekt scheme so I'm assuming that would have been part of the 150 point check. Saying that, they managed to give us a car with the wrong locking wheel nut.
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I'd be looking at tyres but you say they have been changed.
Mine is quite sensitive to camber changes and gives the appearance of too much toe out. An alignment check found nothing wrong. A couple more PSI has made a big improvement.
Mine is quite sensitive to camber changes and gives the appearance of too much toe out. An alignment check found nothing wrong. A couple more PSI has made a big improvement.
It is allegedly a common sensation with the V40. Local main dealer and independent were not surprised when I mentioned it.
I had it checked by a recommended local place but no improvement. I then had it done via the local Volvo dealer along with the annual service. They reported some adjustment necessary. It did make a difference but it still is quite sensitive. It rides perfectly though so I guess it is a function of the assured handling of the V40?
@Old engineer. What pressures are you running on what size tyre please?
I had it checked by a recommended local place but no improvement. I then had it done via the local Volvo dealer along with the annual service. They reported some adjustment necessary. It did make a difference but it still is quite sensitive. It rides perfectly though so I guess it is a function of the assured handling of the V40?
@Old engineer. What pressures are you running on what size tyre please?
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225/50 17 V.
I run the fronts at 38 (normal is 35F / 33R). They have an ECO setting at 38/38 so not a problem.
I run the fronts at 38 (normal is 35F / 33R). They have an ECO setting at 38/38 so not a problem.
Directional tyres are renown for tram lining.
If your tyre has a solid centre band of rubber it will tram line.
These tyres are best to use for drifting as they have a stiffer sidewall as will so exaggerating the tram lining.
Get some cheaper tyres.
Road camber will also affect steering. The camber setting on your car is changed whether it is LH or RH drive.
Camber is only an average setting ideal for one road camber. Every road has a different camber.
Need to increase your speed, won't notice the light steering as you will be having more fun in your R Design
If your tyre has a solid centre band of rubber it will tram line.
These tyres are best to use for drifting as they have a stiffer sidewall as will so exaggerating the tram lining.
Get some cheaper tyres.
Road camber will also affect steering. The camber setting on your car is changed whether it is LH or RH drive.
Camber is only an average setting ideal for one road camber. Every road has a different camber.
Need to increase your speed, won't notice the light steering as you will be having more fun in your R Design
I'm sure my issue is not caused by the tyres or wheels. I test drove another V40 R design (T2, but same year) with these wheels and tyres before they where fitted to my car, the steering on that car was more solid.Directional tyres are renown for tram lining.
If your tyre has a solid centre band of rubber it will tram line.
These tyres are best to use for drifting as they have a stiffer sidewall as will so exaggerating the tram lining.
Get some cheaper tyres.
Road camber will also affect steering. The camber setting on your car is changed whether it is LH or RH drive.
Camber is only an average setting ideal for one road camber. Every road has a different camber.
Need to increase your speed, won't notice the light steering as you will be having more fun in your R Design
Got the car booked in at the main dealer in a few weeks.
The main dealer service department were less than helpful when I phoned the other day. They suggested altering the adjustable steering force; when I told them my car does not have that option fitted, there was silence on their end of the phone. Anyway, I've booked it in to check the steering, but the conversation with the service department has left me with no confidence they're interested in taking the issue on board.
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