Tyre wear & Power Steering issues

[zax]

Good Morning Guys,

{S60 2.0T MY'02 37K miles}

I've just had to replace the 2 front tyres due to frighteningly un-even wear. The "inside" inch or so of the tread was worn worn to the plys (!), whilst the "outside" 3/4 of the tread wasn't even down to the wear markers. They have lasted bearly 11K miles, and I've been meticoulous (?) about tyre pressures.

It's with the dealer today for it's 36K service and they are checking the tracking etc, but I thought I'd ask you guys for your thoughts.

Anti-roll bar links?

Bushes? - which?

Steering rack?

In addition to my previously mentioned (on here) "tramlining" issue, I have been experiencing some intermittent problems with the power steering when slowing down (say from d/carriageway to r/bout) the power steering will momentarily become heavy as lead then, after 2-3 seconds of fighting, come good again. It's quite frightening if you actually reach the roundabout (! again). Pump drive belt tension "seems" OK, plenty of fluid, no obvious rack leaks etc.

Could all these symptoms be connected?

As usual, your thoughts, experiences and observations are greatly appreciated.


Cheers,



Craig (Zax)

[zax]

Where is everyone?


Well for what it's worth, here's the outcome after the trip to the dealer.

The tracking was, apparently, way out (severe toe in)and has been adjusted along with replacement steering "arms" (under warranty thank god). In addition there was a "pressure leak" on a hose union on the power steering (i.e. it was not quite tight enough) causing the p/s not to work efficiently. System drained, union tightened and system refilled (again under warranty) AND a whole bunch of bushes in front suspension components replaced (also under warranty). They also changed the top engine mount/bush (one piece item) - under warranty.

It's a good job most of it was warranty work - the bill for 36K service (and replacing a number plate bulb) was...........£374 !!!
Once the warranty is finished I think it'll be off to Peter Whatsisname in Skipton!.

It feels like a new car (for now) it certainly drives & steers better, I wait to see the effect on tyre wear.

Cheers,


Craig (Zax)

did you tw*t a curb or something? i'd be surprised if that much damage all happened just by chance.

[zax]

5Lab,

errrrrr........No (and the wife doesn't drive it)

BUT it's a ex-dealer demo car, bought at 6 months old with 11K on the clock. It's had the "tramlining" issue since I got it and noticed the tyre issue later on. At the last service, they insisted nothing was amiss BUT I had had a bit of a bust up with them over damage to the car whilst they had it and the (in my view)premature front pad replacement. To be honest I don't think they could really be ars*d to check !

Funny how all those things got changed this time? Seems to have done the trick though.

Cheers,


Craig (Zax)

[Alpha206]

Had my front tyres changed a few months back - same problem with tyre wear - I've put it down to too many speed "cushions" on my way to work (about 30)

30000 service - had rear suspension link rod ends & steering stops replaced (the latter because I suspect full lock is used a lot on the S60 as its turning circle is so bad.

Power steering hose - if it's the hose union just below the reservoir, this is a common fault.

Graeme