Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Alignment Alert (VOL0253AP)
Reference number: VOL0253AP
ALIGNMENT ALERT
TECHNICAL INFORMATION TIP
VOLVO ALIGNMENT ALERT
YEAR(S): 1975-94
MANUFACTURER: Volvo
DATE OF ISSUE: March 1997
ISSUE & TIP
If you are aligning a 1975-94 Volvo, check the angle of the ball joints carefully. I found a caster angle to be way out of specs and not adjustable, but the camber was okay.
The solution: the right and left side ball joints are interchangeable. You can put two right side ball joints on and have a two degree negative difference on the left side caster due to the offset.
I spent an hour looking for something that was bent, when the problem was that our do-it-yourselfer was sold two right side ball joints and in-stalled them with three bolts holding them in place.
Courtesy of Import Service Magazine
with thanks to:
Bill Restoff
Dobbs Tire and Auto Centers
Fairview Heights, Illinois
REFERENCE NUMBER
VOL0253AP
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.