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| 17th October 2009 |
| 145 a delight to drive; & PV544 ready to rumble... |
Those of you who might have spotted my various musings on our daily hack, the 145 estate, will know that whilst we're happy with the engine and Emerald fuel injection, ecstatic about the economy of running LPG, and surprised at its ability to haul improbably large loads across continents - we've always been unhappy about the steering.
Now, a while ago I spotted that it had received the wrong drop-arm, presumably when the dodgy steering box was fitted. So sorting that out got rid of the nasty change in geometry when negotiating tight bends.
But still it just wasn't as light and precise as an OHV Volvo should be.
For months I've managed to ignore this, filing it under the 185R15 tyre size, but knowing all along that this wasn't a valid excuse.
Well, the other day (in the words of Max Boyce, now that dates me sadly), I girded up my loins and decided to replace all 4 suspension balljoints.
This isn't an expensive job, the UBJ's and LBJ's weigh in at less than £100inc vat for all 4 - but it is an onerous task, that can easily take up a full day (particularly if you decide to replace the upper wishbone bushes at the same time.
Onerous it may have been, miraculous it definitely was. We now have a 145 that is pin sharp, light on steering, precise in high speed bends, and makes you wonder why on earth Volvo felt they needed a PAS option (usually fitted in the USA mind you).
However, I have to say even with this knowledge, it is very difficult to tell if a balljoint is being recalcitrant - worn ones are easy to spot, and the MoT will usually pick it up, but stiff ones can only be identified once the steering rod has been disconnected, and you try rotating the hub on its KingPin axis.
So, if you think your Amazon/P18/140 steering is heavy, here's the methodology...
- Ensure that the steering box has not been over adjusted
- This is a common fault, and gives you a very nasty notch either side of dead ahead, very obvious and unpleasant on the motorway
- Replace any worn steering balljoints, ie
- Centre tie rod ends (a mere £16 each)
- Steering rods, which have an integral balljoint each end
- Finally, replace your upper and lower balljoints
Somewhere along this list, you will have wonderfully precise and light steering!
Emma's PV544
The Rally of the Tests looms large in our diary now, as we join (7?) other Volvos on Jeremy Dicksons superb event, starting near Newcastle, and finishing near Edinburgh.
I reckon she's in about the finest fettle she's ever been, the car's pretty good too. Emma spent a happy 30' yesterday reminding herself how to do handbrake turns in Owen LeRoys back field (he of BTRDA fame, campaigning a very sorted Astra); naturally the low grip of a smooth grass field is an easy training ground, and we shall be straight round to his HGV trailer apron when it's damp to hone her tarmac turns.
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