Car suspension question

[Eric in Davis]

Are there any objective tests for evaluating the suspension on a car? I ask because my Volvo has 60k miles on it and the front end feels very rough when I go over any bumps/potholes. I figure with 60k miles on it, the shocks/struts/whatever need to be replaced. I took it into the dealer for warranty work and they said that they "looked" at it and drove it and it's fine. I have a hard time believing there are only subjective tests for automobile suspension.

Sorry about the off topic post

[garfull]

other than taking it out and testing it on a shock dyno, im not sure. have you checked your tire pressures, sometimes over inflatting can make a ride rough, or having very low profile tires.

[tuxumino]

a general test for shocks is to push down hard on a corner(fender) and immediately let go. if the fender comes up and goes back down that's ok if it goes up then down then back up then down the shock/strut is suspect. In other words: one bounce ok two bounce bad.
Note other things that effect a cars front end: worn tie rod ends, worn or mis adjusted wheel bearings, worn or loose bushings,
pinion arms or ball joints, loose steering box or rack and pinion.
and of course our favorite loose lug nuts.
in short a suspect front end needs a visual inspection.

[oconnor]

Unless they are leaking, or your suspension bottoms out easily, say on speed bumps, or it bouces on bumps on the freeway, there are no real easy ways to test the dampners. Shock dyno aside of course. Figure that they are wearing and loose their ability to do their job over time, and 75,000 is a good life span. Start saving up,or getting ready to just replace them, and remember, just like our bikes,you don't have to take it to the dealer.
I bet that when you do replace them you will notice a huge difference. Maybe the old ones weren't "bad", just beaten.

[Eric in Davis]

Thanks for the info. I actually have a Volvo warranty that covers the shocks, but the dealer won't admit that they need to be replaced so I guess I'm not going to get them replaced under my warranty.

[reckon]

there isn't one test, there is a test for the: ball jonts, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, alignment, shock jounce and rebound, steering rack and pinion (or gearbox) yada yada yada,....

most alignment shops will do a reduced cost, or free inspecton, so you know what needs replacing.

I worked at a shop that charged 30 bux to hang the "heads" on the wheels, and do the alignment check, and basic ball joint, rod end tests, then do the alignment (after replacing the worn parts) for only fifty more, plus whatever needed replacing (usually the rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, and shocks)

this may sound retarded, but the TIRES have a huge influence on the way the vehicle steers, and handles, and really worn out, under-inflated tires (especially up front) will make the car handle like it needs a new front end, when all it really needs is a new set of tires and an alignment.

[turbobrick]

What kind of Volvo do you have? I assume that it is newer (warranty) but if it is a 200, 900, or 850 series I can help. I've got 6 of the older bricks and have been through all kinds of suspension work. Generally, shocks/struts are not covered under warranties. But, replacement is an opportunity to improve handling.

Aaron

[Eric in Davis]

I have a V70 (2000, so it's basically an 850) that I bought used last year... errr I mean "Certfied Pre-Owned". So the Volvo warranty does cover all the suspension stuff, but the dealer says it's fine. I have the standard tires on it, not low-profile at all, and I keep that at the Volvo recommended pressures (I think something like 36f/42rear). Overall, the ride is pretty smooth, it's just big bumps that really "jolt" the car.

[auntiebling]

you might want to try another dealer if there is one close. find a strech of road that is nearby that replicates the issue every time and ask if you can take a technician with you on a ride. they'll probably want to drive.

[turbobrick]

Well, there are enough differences in the 850's and v70's that I consider them separate. I have done a little with a v70, and they are good cars. I would check out IPD (http://www.ipdusa.com) for suspension options. I buy tons of stuff from them, and their staff will give you suggestions from symptoms you describe, and recommend good products. Personally, I think Volvo's and Bilstein shocks/struts go well together (I have them on all my cars). Best of luck in your project.

[KXP]

trade it in for the t5r

[rothmans]

Bilsteins are great....I just put a set on my 03 Chevy truck, at near 40k the stockers are shot as with most full size GM's....the Bilsteins are a noticeable improvment in every department, very happy with them!