Improve the ride of 11 year old XC90??
 

Dear all,

I love my 2010 XC90 but would like to know if there is any way to fundamentally improve the ride. I've had a quick review of the forum and the main advice seems to be:
1. lower your tyre pressures from the eco settings
2. fit the smallest wheels you can
Our car's on 18" wheels and I reckon the improvement by moving to 17" will be marginal. The tyres are now on 32psi.

The car has only done just over 61,000 miles, we have owned it since new and it has been regularly serviced. We live in London but use the car mainly for long journeys (we have a Hyundai i10 for short journeys). Looking under the car, there is nothing visibly wrong with the suspension but none of the components have been replaced since we bought it. Is there likely to be any point in replacing shocks or suspension arms?

Alternatively has anyone come across any company that offers a product or service that significantly improves the ride of the Mk 1 XC90?

I just want to be sure I'm not missing something!

The only thing I would add is to check the lid index on the tyres is appropriate. I chose higher lid rated tyres for mine and notice that it is much stiffer. I am happy with that but you may not be.

As standard it should ride very very well on 17s so something may be wrong?

The difference between 17’s & 18’s will be more than ‘marginal’. I had 18’s on my S80, changed to 17’s & it transformed the car in my opinion. Tyres can also make a massive difference, so inspect your existing ones for any bulges etc.

When you say you’ve had a visual check, have you actually checked suspension components for play or just had a quick glance?

I wouldn’t expect much to be wrong with it really, as the mileage is low for an 11 year old car & its not as if those miles were done on roads full of potholes (I assume, as you said the Volvo is used for longer journeys). That’s not to say parts aren’t ‘tired’ though.

Are there any knocking noises at present? I wouldn’t be replacing shock absorbers for the sake of it, as if they’re worn, you’ll know because the car will be riding much harsher. Check the shocks for any leaks (they need replacing if leaking).

Ahh.. 18 to 17 May make a difference on an s80 but don’t forget this in an XC90 so he will be running 235/60. They are already massively compliant.

That and the 17 tyre size is 235/65.

If your after a wafty type ride and lowering the pressure has made quite a bit of difference then I would look at the tyres themselves as sporty ones have stiffer sidewalls and some in the Volvo size are rated XL for extra load.

I don't expect a big difference from going from 18's to 17's, assuming both at 235mm footprint that's just a 7% increase in profile. If you were changing from 20" rims or even 19's it would be much more noticeable - forum member Moose Test has done just that and was happy with the result I think. Most people who fit the 17" Neptune wheels do so as there is a greater choice and better value selection of winter, all season and off road biased tyres available.

Is you car R-Design spec? If so then I'd sell it and get an SE LUX.... (if ride is very important to you).

Mine's the same age, with 10% more miles, and I have just had a broken spring replaced.
So check your springs too.
Mind you, I have driven over a fair number of potholes around chez nous!

Thank you for your response Kev.
To be honest I have only had a quick glance under the car so I should probably make a more careful inspection or get the garage to do it when it next goes in for a service.
There are no knocks audible but I will have a look and see if the shocks are leaking.

Thanks for your replies. The tyres are XL-rated Pirelli Scorpions with plenty of life left.

I don't think I'll switch to 17s. I - or my increasingly opinionated teenage children who are still confined to the rear seat when the wife and I are in the front - may be over-exaggerating the ride issue...

So XL is extra load and has reinforced tyre walls. That’s probably your starting point and probably more contributing than rim size.