degregorio@frontiernet.net wrote:
>
> We are installing rear stabilizer bars on our 2003 V70. We thought we
> were replacing them, but the car does not have them. The places the
> bars would bolt are there, just no bars. The bars we bought from IPD
> did not come with hardware to attach the "replacement" bars (yes, we
> did go to our local Volvo dealer to buy these parts)...
>
> My question: is it possible that *some* V70's were not equipped with
> rear stabilizer bars from the factory? We bought this as a certified
> preowned vehicle and I'm guessing that in that 130 point inspection,
> this would have been noted if it were anything but the way it was
> intended - or not 
>
> So, is it possible that the vehicle that prides itself on safety would
> not be equipped initially with these stabilizer bars?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Marylyn
I can't speak for the new type V70, but Volvo wagons have come without
rear stabilizer bars on and off since the 240 series. The ones that
come with a rear bar usually have a very thin one. My '98 T5 V70 came
with a 17 mm bar, whereas my T5 S70 of the same year came with a 21 mm
rear bar. Factor in the thicker front bar on the wagon (21 vs 20 mm)
and while the S70 understeered slightly, the V70 understeered heavily.
I lived with it for 6 years before I finally put a sedan rear bar on it,
and that fixed the balance problem. I think the wagons have a thin or
no rear bar so they will always understeer, even with a full load. Also
note that the stiffer rear springs on the wagons take up some of the
slack by providing additional anti-roll function.
--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.
Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)
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