wheel hop?

[e]

1986 245 with power steering. I know that the struts need replacement and
tires are done for also. I've got 195/60/15 size tires on Virgo rims. When
I turn the car at full lock in either direction there seems to be what could
best be described as wheel hop. It feels as though the car wants to push
slightly forward instead of turning smoothly. I'm going to have all
bushings checked but I'm looking for any ideas you might have.

 

[Peter K L Milnes]

I have very similar on my 945 and am about to replace all front bushings and
steering swivels. It only happens when steering is tight left. I suspect
that yours only happens on tight right (LHD). It is best to replace ALL
bushings and steering swivels to re-start on an even footing.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

 

[e]

I have very similar on my 945 and am about to replace all front bushings
and steering swivels. It only happens when steering is tight left. I
suspect that yours only happens on tight right (LHD).

Nope, it happens on both left and right turns.

It is best to replace ALL bushings and steering swivels to re-start on an
even footing.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

I'm planning on replacing with all poly bushings. What exactly do you mean
by "steering swivels"? If this helps I've noticed that it tends to handle
much the same way as my 144 did when it had a bad idler arm bushing. It
tends to dive and pull across ruts on the expressways. It is my
understanding that there is no idler arm on the rack and pinion steering
system. Is that correct? I was a little afraid that the rack might be on
its way out. What are the symptoms of that? If it helps, there is no noise
such as groaning, grinding, or squeaking that I can detect.

 

[Peter K L Milnes]

I am at the moment negotiating with the supplier of Superflex poly bushings.
The steering swivels are the ball joints at the bottom of the suspension
struts. Yes there is no idler arm on rack & pinion steering. The rack is
moved right and left and the steering knuckles are carried at the racks
extremities where the tracking adjustment is carried out. If you cannot
disturb the rack when moving the wheels with car on ground or the movement
produces no free play the rack should be fine.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).