Steering

Post by **iank** » 12 Jan 2005 06:38 pm

Hi,
I have a 1987 340GL in immaculate condition with a genuine 15500 miles on the clock and CV transmission. This car has a full Volvo service history and was last serviced in May 2004.
I am the second owner but I am concerned about the heavy steering on this car. My previous 340 also a C registration was fine. This car feels as though you are trying to turn a tank around especially at low speeds such as when parking.
Can any one offer any advice and does any one know of a non-franchised Volvo garage in the Worcestershire area? I used to use the car on a daily basis but it is off the road until I can get this steering issue sorted.
Cheers,
Ian

Post by **Tom** » 12 Jan 2005 06:58 pm

Are you sure your previous car was a 340 and not one of the higher spec models (which might have had PAS)

The steering is generally heavy on 300s though.

Post by **Geez** » 12 Jan 2005 07:28 pm

hi mate is this something that has got worse or has it always been like that? sometimes something as simple as low tyre pressures at the front can cause the steering to feel heavier than normal, Am sure someone on here will be able to help sort you out.

Post by **wjp01908** » 12 Jan 2005 08:24 pm

Hi and Welcome iank.

Good to see another CVT driver on here!

Even if your previous car was a 340 it may have had PAS fitted - it was an expensive (and consequently rare) option on these.

300 steering is heavy by modern standards and there is not much you can really do apart from making sure that the mechanism is lubed up right and that the tyres are correct. (well you could fit PAS if you managed to find a scrap car with it . Best of british with that one though...)

My best suggestion is to make sure the car is moving while steering and just wind it steadily around.

Unless you`re terminally weedy, it`s not too bad, and most of us could do with the exersize in any case.

Will

Post by **morgan105** » 12 Jan 2005 08:36 pm

Check for low tyre pessures, as has been mentioned, and the following:
Seized balljoint
lack of lubricant in steering gear (already mentioned)
incorrect front wheel alignment
damaged steering column

Best of luck!

Post by **rickm** » 13 Jan 2005 01:23 pm

i have a 340 which was also difficult to steer and pulled heavily to the left, i just put up with it. But when i had a new set of tyres fitted it was perfect, i could could even take corners using one hand. Was pretty expensive though £130.

Post by **iank** » 13 Jan 2005 03:03 pm

I am not sure if the previous 340 had PAS or not, it is just that I think the steering is heavier than what it should be for a car of its size however withour driving a similar car it is difficult of judge. My main car is a S80 and although I am used to the steering on that, I still think that the 340 is very heavy however I will try your suggestions as I have nothing ot lose except some exercise

.

Post by **redline** » 13 Jan 2005 03:05 pm

coupla of extra psi in each front tyre wont hurt just dont ovber do it or the centre of the tyres will wear out quickly

Post by **5lab** » 13 Jan 2005 03:09 pm

if the s80 is anythign like my folks v40 then its steering is naturally waaaaay lighter than a 300 - the 300s did have heavy steering (hence pas in higher models), but you get used to it after a while.

Post by **foggyjames** » 17 Jan 2005 01:59 am

I have a 340 PAS kit for sale from 'Steering Developments'. A friend with one of these kits has the original receipt for £2000!! Obviously I'm not asking that much!

cheers

James