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Why is the steering heavy on my T5? (Trimmed down repost) S70 1998

My car has 56,000 miles on it, and I bought it with 215/45-17 tires on Voxx rims. The wheels seem to have the same offset as the OEM 16" - around 40mm.

The car steers like a truck more than a car. The car acts like it doesn't want to turn. It doesn't stick at all, it just takes more effort to turn the wheel than my '95 850 T5 did. It isn't at all like non-power steering - it just has a "heavy" feel to it. In comparison my '05 2.5T with 235/45-17 feels ultra sensitive and turns like a toy. I drove a couple other 850's and they all seemed around the same as my original car. I attributed the steering feel when I bought the car to the wheels/tires, thinking I would swap them out to the included stock rims. However, when I figured out the dimensions, the tires are only about 1/4" larger in diameter and 3/8" wider than the stock 205/55-16". Now I'm thinking it isn't the tires/wheels.

If the offsets are really the same (not sure they are), that would push the tire centerline in 5mm on each side, or around 1/4"

Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks in advance, Don

'98 S70 T5 56K
'05 V70 2.5T 47K








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    Why is the steering heavy on my T5? (Trimmed down repost) S70 1998

    I'm wondering if someone changed the PS fluid and it's got air in the system.
    should have very responsive steering. If not possible PS pump but. would be a possible long shot








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      Why is the steering heavy on my T5? (Trimmed down repost) S70 1998

      My Volvo mechanic is going to give me a set of tires on OEM rims to swap in on the front to eliminate the tire variable.

      He suggested maybe someone frigged the pump (let it run dry) I just looked at the maint records - I don't think the fluid has been changed.

      The car definitely turns a lot stiffer than my '95 850 T5 did. You say it should be very responsive. It isn't.

      Thanks for the reply - when I get this figured out I will post back.

      Don








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        Why is the steering heavy on my T5? (Trimmed down repost) S70 1998

        I would flush it with synthetic fluid and see what happens. Probably better for it anyway.

        Klaus
        --
        Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...








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        Why is the steering heavy on my T5? (Trimmed down repost) S70 1998

        Maybe the rack is about to go. No leaks I assume. Mine responded to fluid additive a few years back and I haven't touched it since -no fluid changes for me I don't want to anger it.
        --
        '97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's







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