Too much body roll

[breymann]

Hi. I feel that my XC 70 has too much body roll. I asked the dealer about Koni shocks, but I understood that they are not available for the XC.

Any idea if Bilstein or Koni or KYB has a "sport" shock for the XC.

Your help woul be greatly appreciated.

[vtie]

My experience is that the nivomats seem to considerably reduce the body roll

[Willy]

Indeed, this seems to be the consensus after a number of threads on this issue (try a search on Nivomat or auto-levelling). Moreover, these schocks preserve the full travel of the (rear) suspension, even when the car is fully loaded.
Although I can't directly compare to a standard suspension, I don't have a problem with body roll at all (but this is very personal of course).
It would be best if you could make a testdrive with a Nivomat equiped car so you could feel the difference yourself.
Willy

[Jhughes]

A great way to reduce body roll is to install larger sway bars. IPD makes a great set.

IPD Sway Bars (http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=649&NodeID=1360&RootID=629)

I have a set on my '86 765 and they made a huge difference. I am planning on putting a set on my XC70 real soon...
And yes upgrading the shocks will help a lot too. Do both and you will feel a mayor change!

[KazDog]

Any disadvantages with sway bars?

[AGXC70]

you'll feel more pot holes :)

[babalu87]

Its an AWD with almost 9 inches of ground clearance

Better go buy the T5 if your worried about roll

[pico de luuks]

I just ordered the IPD Sway bars and HD end links. $450 total with a free shipping offer (was valid until 12/19/05). Got a quote for approx $300 install. Despite the nivomat I wasn't too happy with the car's handling at speed. Hope this will make the car more stable during fast cornering and on the high way. Next step will be better tires (and wheels :rolleyes: ), after which the car will be ready for some additional ponies [cool2] .
Can't wait [thumbup]

[John@CdnRockies]

FWIW, I have heard that sway bars make a major difference. As luck would have it, my daughter is arranging purchase/installation as a Christmas gift. It's for my 5 speed Maxima but I will be interested to feel the difference. ;)

John

[Art]

Ooohh nice...Santa was good to you guys this season!! :D

I’ve often thought about beefing up the stock suspension myself. Glad to see you got the front stabilizer links too Pico. http://volvoxc.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Be sure to keep us posted after the kit is installed. Should make for a much tighter ride! :)

[pico de luuks]

I’ve often thought about beefing up the stock suspension myself. Glad to see you got the front stabilizer links too Pico. http://volvoxc.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

Be sure to keep us posted after the kit is installed. Should make for a much tighter ride! :)

Sure will. Parts should be in early Jan, install later that month. Will keep y'all posted ;)

[RedXC]

Yeah. thicker sway bars will decrease body roll. And adding strut tower bars will increase the performance of handling.

[Sasquatch]

Its an AWD with almost 9 inches of ground clearance

Better go buy the T5 if your worried about roll


I just ordered the IPD Sway bars and HD end links. $450 total with a free shipping offer (was valid until 12/19/05). Got a quote for approx $300 install. Despite the nivomat I wasn't too happy with the car's handling at speed. Hope this will make the car more stable during fast cornering and on the high way. Next step will be better tires (and wheels :rolleyes: ), after which the car will be ready for some additional ponies [cool2] .
Can't wait [thumbup]

I agree that if you want a faster or better handling car, BUY a faster or better handling car (for the most part). It sounds like you are trying to make this one do something other than its intended purpose. Maybe a sportier Volvo or another brand would suit you better. Also isn't it ANTI-swaybars?

[pico de luuks]

I agree that if you want a faster or better handling car, BUY a faster or better handling car (for the most part). It sounds like you are trying to make this one do something other than its intended purpose. Maybe a sportier Volvo or another brand would suit you better. Also isn't it ANTI-swaybars?

Most cars are in the end a compromise and so is the choice to buy a particular model. The XC is surely not intended for the same target audience as say the T5 or R. However I feel that with relative inexpensive modifications I can adjust the car more to my personal liking without sacrificing the original character of the car. The ANTI-swaybars (noted) wil improve handling at speed, especially during lane changes, cornering and on on/off ramps. 17" wheels and tires with lower sidewalls will also help some in this department. These modifications should improve handling to a level that is sufficient to add some extra power in the form of an ECU upgrade.
Would I trade that for an T5? [nonono] Not likely, I like the styling and versatlity of the XC, and with the planned mods its probably as capable during the occasional spirited drive as the T5.
For me the ideal compromise :D

[John@CdnRockies]

The ANTI-swaybars (noted) wil improve handling at speed, especially during lane changes, cornering and on on/off ramps.

Just came back from my test drive with a newly installed anti-sway bar on our Maxima. Wow:eek: , what a difference! Tested it at high-speed, on a very sharp corner and the difference is amazing. Ran it through this turn 3 times in succession and the usual roll has completely disappeared. The car is now perfectly flat with all 4 wheels gripping mother earth.

I know the car and the maximum capabilities through this corner very well (DSTC lightly kicks-in ~75% of the time when reverting to the Volvo). Folks, you will find that the anti-sway bar is great value (~C$75) if you enjoy sporty driving.

While my experiment was limited to the Maxima, I imagine that a similar change would occur in the Volvo. It's not often that I rave about a change from mfg. spec's but this one is outstanding.

John

Update: As noted in later posts by Pico/Art, my references to an anti-sway bar should actually be for a strut-tower bar. Sorry for the confusion folks - the kids installed a strut-tower bar on the Maxima.

[al_roethlisberger]

Just came back from my test drive with a newly installed anti-sway bar on our Maxima. Wow:eek: , what a difference! Tested it at high-speed, on a very sharp corner and the difference is amazing. Ran it through this turn 3 times in succession and the usual roll has completely disappeared. The car is now perfectly flat with all 4 wheels gripping mother earth.

I know the car and the maximum capabilities through this corner very well (DSTC lightly kicks-in ~75% of the time when reverting to the Volvo). Folks, you will find that the anti-sway bar is great value (~C$75) if you enjoy sporty driving.

While my experiment was limited to the Maxima, I imagine that a similar change would occur in the Volvo. It's not often that I rave about a change from mfg. spec's but this one is outstanding.

John



...aren't aftermarket anti-sway bars from the likes of IPD somewhere in the area of $400? ...not $75?

BTW, the XC70 already has a pretty hefty OEM front strut tower brace. I guess an even beefier/stiffer aftermarket one can be had, but I doubt it would make much difference.

al

[John@CdnRockies]

...aren't aftermarket anti-sway bars from the likes of IPD somewhere in the area of $400? ...not $75?

al

Yes, many of them (including Stillen) are in the $400 range. My eldest is in the automotive parts business and bought this one (new) for $65 plus taxes. She said that she could have gotten it for $30 but had requested a rush shipment in time for Christmas.

I will ask her what the brand was as it certainly looks similar to other units I have seen. Will post that info back on the site in case anyone else is interested.

John

Update: My reference to anti-sway bars should read "strut-tower bar".

[cbob]

t's not often that I rave about a change from mfg. spec's but this one is outstanding.
John

There is a good reason why we can always spot the unmarked police cars by their prominent after-market rear anti-sway bars. :D

Unfortunately, what I'd gain with anti-sways on my XC, I've already lost on switching to Nokian WR tires, so I'd be breaking even. :rolleyes:

[John@CdnRockies]

Al, I checked with my daughter and the sway bar is from Vibrant Performance. Their web site is http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg48-49.pdf

Our Maxima is in the pdf but unfortunately the XC70 is not listed. Sorry, but I guess there is limited demand from Volvo owners.

Michelle did mention that sway bars are suprisingly similar and she didn't recommend going with the $400 units as the difference would be marginal. However, for other suspension items, she would never go with low bids. We've come to trust her automotive recommendations

Mike (aka CBob), definitely agree with you on the Nokian's. While whisper quiet, they sure add lateral roll in the corners. Fine for the Volvo, but not an inspired choice for the Maxima.

Cheers to all.

John

Update: As noted in later posts by Pico/Art, my references to an anti-sway bar should actually be for a strut-tower bar. Sorry for the confusion folks - the kids installed a strut-tower bar on the Maxima.

[pico de luuks]

Al, I checked with my daughter and the sway bar is from Vibrant Performance. Their web site is http://www.vibrantperformance.com/products/catalog05/pg48-49.pdf

Our Maxima is in the pdf but unfortunately the XC70 is not listed. Sorry, but I guess there is limited demand from Volvo owners.

Michelle did mention that sway bars are suprisingly similar and she didn't recommend going with the $400 units as the difference would be marginal. However, for other suspension items, she would never go with low bids. We've come to trust her automotive recommendations

Mike (aka CBob), definitely agree with you on the Nokian's. While whisper quiet, they sure add lateral roll in the corners. Fine for the Volvo, but not an inspired choice for the Maxima.

Cheers to all.

John

John,
The link is only strut tower braces and not about anti-sway bars... :confused:

So what did you install on the maxima, a strut tower brace or an upgraded anti-sway bar?

[Art]

John,
The link is only strut tower braces and not about anti-sway bars...

So what did you install on the maxima, a strut tower brace or an upgraded anti-sway bar?

I was just about to ask the same question. ;)

Regardless of what it was, it must have been nice to find it sitting under the tree. :)

[John@CdnRockies]

John,
The link is only strut tower braces and not about anti-sway bars... :confused:

So what did you install on the maxima, a strut tower brace or an upgraded anti-sway bar?

Thanks Pico and Art for the question. How embarassing.:o They installed a strut tower brace which I kept referring to as an anti-sway bar.

Folks, it looks like, feels like and acts like a strut tower brace. Now if only I could get my wording straight, everyone would be less confused.:confused: I will go back and amend prior posts to try and clear things up.

Cheerio and have a good '06.

John

[pico de luuks]

They installed a strut tower brace which I kept referring to as an anti-sway bar.John

That explains the lower price. Good to hear it improved handling on the Maxima. Not sure if a beavier strut tower brace would do much for the XC. I hope the IPD anti-sway bars work as well for the XC as -according to many happy customers- other volvo models.

My parts will arrive the 5th. Install hopefully before the end of the month :D

[pico de luuks]

Just had my IPD anti-sway bars installed at a -A Volvostore- in Virginia Beach and my first impressions are very positive. [thumbup] Only had a short 10 mile drive home, but already I could notice a much butter steering response and less body roll during cornering. Overall handling just feels so much better. [happy] If it hadn't been for the crazy Friday afternoon traffic I probably would have taken a little scenic route home...

Sofar, it seems like money well spent.

[al_roethlisberger]

Just had my IPD anti-sway bars installed at a -A Volvostore- in Virginia Beach and my first impressions are very positive. [thumbup] Only had a short 10 mile drive home, but already I could notice a much butter steering response and less body roll during cornering. Overall handling just feels so much better. [happy] If it hadn't been for the crazy Friday afternoon traffic I probably would have taken a little scenic route home...

Sofar, it seems like money well spent.


What did the total cost end up being?

[pico de luuks]

What did the total cost end up being?

Just over $700 total:
Parts $380 (+tax & shipping)
Install $300 (incl. tax, 10% VCOA discount)

This upgrade really takes care of the "floaty" feeling [thumbup]

[neuronXC70]

please help this un-informed newbie.

my wife hates sitting in the back seat of the xc70 with the baby because of the body roll. i had no idea that i could do something for it until this link.

i have some questions for all those who seem so facile with this topic.

1. are anti-sway bars and anti-roll bars the same?
2. what is a heavy duty endlink? what does it do and why need it? is that something that gets installed front left, front right and both rear sides?
3. is IPD considered the best brand for volvo xc 70?
4. typical installation charge by a volvo dealership?
5. "stiffer" shocks and springs would also decrease the roll/sway? if so, any suggestions?
6. nokian wr tires add to the roll/sway?

thanks in advance.

han

[pico de luuks]

please help this un-informed newbie.

my wife hates sitting in the back seat of the xc70 with the baby because of the body roll. i had no idea that i could do something for it until this link.

i have some questions for all those who seem so facile with this topic.

1. are anti-sway bars and anti-roll bars the same?
2. what is a heavy duty endlink? what does it do and why need it? is that something that gets installed front left, front right and both rear sides?
3. is IPD considered the best brand for volvo xc 70?
4. typical installation charge by a volvo dealership?
5. "stiffer" shocks and springs would also decrease the roll/sway? if so, any suggestions?
6. nokian wr tires add to the roll/sway?

thanks in advance.

han

Han,
I am by no means a technical expert (just a happy and enthusiastic XC driver :D ). Having said that some answers to your questions:
1. I think the correct term is anti-sway bar. Adding an strut tower brace will also reduce body roll during cornering, but as far as I know there are only few companies that offer them. IPD is one of them, they offer a strut tower brace made by VST, a Japanese company specialized in aftermarket (performance) upgrades for volvos. Personally I think the anti-sway bars are enough (in the end it's not a V70R)
2. See this link to fpcgroton (http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850shocks.htm/) for a picture that explained a lot to me. The end links form the connection between the sway bar and the struts and the OEM ones are prone to (premature) failure. IPD offers a heavy duty version for the front that is warrented for life (just under $40 each).
3. IPD has been around selling aftermarket parts and upgrades for a long time and they have a good selection of products and a great reputation to uphold. See their website here (http://www.ipdusa.com/).
4. I think I posted that here before, but you are looking at 5 hrs labor.
5. Yes to some extend, but you'll sacrafice more comfort. Eibach offers them for the XC (also offered via IPD and other vendors)
6. Can't personally comment on those tires, but in general tires with a softer sidewall will add to that effect (or at least the perception)

Hope this helps a bit. I was a bit afraid to spend this amount of money for the sway bars fearing that the effect would be limited, but I am honestly impressed and pleased with the result. Highly recommended for those that want to improve the handling of their XC.
Took it on the highway today and it feels so much more controled when changing lanes at higher speeds. The 'floating' feeling is gone.

[al_roethlisberger]

Just as an aside, the Volvo OEM front strut-tower brace is solid steel tubing, which looks to be pretty darned beefy.

I don't know what an aftermarket strut-tower brace could really offer, except perhaps lower weight *shrug*

al

[Sasquatch]

I used to drive a Honda Civic, and threw that thing around more than one should with a rice burner econo car. I now drive a station wagon with wife and kids, and figure the time for tossing a car into corners isn't with this one, but if necessity dictates, that Volvo put as much as needed into this particular one.

Tell your wife to sit up front like a human, and let the kids be kids back there.

[ifnt420]

Pico,

Thanks for your report on the IPD anti-sway bars.

As you know, I just ordered a set with the HD end links as well.
I figured that with your testimonial, it must be worth the money. :D

The local Volvo specialist here (also RICA dealer) quoted me US$90 for the install and US$40 for the alignment.
But the money I save on labor, I'll probably have to spit back out for the expensive overseas shipping from IPD.:(
Regarding the alignment, I didn't see you mention that you had one done after the install, do you know if this is this required?

Thanks again for the feedback!!

[pico de luuks]

Pico,
The local Volvo specialist here (also RICA dealer) quoted me US$90 for the install and US$40 for the alignment.
But the money I save on labor, I'll probably have to spit back out for the expensive overseas shipping from IPD.:(
Regarding the alignment, I didn't see you mention that you had one done after the install, do you know if this is this required?

Thanks again for the feedback!!

Yup, I called IPD and they also recommend a re-allignment after install. "you don't really have to, but better safe than sorry" And for $40 it's a small price for some piece of mind.
However, it's still on my to do list. Shouldn't wait too long... [nonono]

[erictking]

(Just as an aside, the Volvo OEM front strut-tower brace is solid steel tubing, which looks to be pretty darned beefy.

I don't know what an aftermarket strut-tower brace could really offer, except perhaps lower weight *shrug*

al)

Hi Al.
According to IPD THe tube you are talking about is not really a strut brace. This is what he Jan/Feb newsletter says:

"Many owners have mistaken the stock upper engine mount brace as a strut brace, but it offers no transverse chassis reinforcement as it is mounted on ball joints."

IMO, sounds like it might be a worthwhile piece.
EK

[pico de luuks]

IMO, sounds like it might be a worthwhile piece.
EK

Could be. Its only just available and I haven't seen any feedback on them yet. Can hardly imagine they will make as big a difference as the sway bars :rolleyes: Therefore they are pretty low on my wish list which has items like 17" wheels (since forever), ECU upgrade and (dual) exhaust :D

That should take at least three visits by [bigsanta] ....

[ifnt420]

Can hardly imagine they will make as big a difference as the sway bars

True that. A friend had the VST strut tower brace installed after the IPD anti-sway bars. And he said the IPD bars made much more improvement than the strut tower brace.
The only difference he notices about the VST brace is that going up a steep driveway at an angle, the car/body does not flex as much and makes less flexing noises/creaks. ;)

hmm.... I may need that for all the axle articulation moves I do offroad..... :D

[Sasquatch]

...
According to IPD THe tube you are talking about is not really a strut brace. This is what he Jan/Feb newsletter says:

"Many owners have mistaken the stock upper engine mount brace as a strut brace, but it offers no transverse chassis reinforcement as it is mounted on ball joints."

IMO, sounds like it might be a worthwhile piece.
...

This sounds like the factory original Volvo piece also.



...hmm.... I may need that for all the axle articulation moves I do offroad..... :D

FYI, most Jeep owners disconnect their anti-roll bars for this very reason. There are even "quick disconnects" for sale (though not necessary, as it is only one bolt) which make it easier to disconnect almost on a whim.

[Lawrence Lee]

I have just ordered the IPD anti sway bar, may I ask members here if i am on a 18" Heico wheels will it in anyway affect the installation and performance of the anti sway bar? (E.g. when making tight turning, etc... will it create 'knocking' noise, etc???)

Any advices welcome.

Thank you.

[ifnt420]

I have just ordered the IPD anti sway bar, may I ask members here if i am on a 18" Heico wheels will it in anyway affect the installation and performance of the anti sway bar? (E.g. when making tight turning, etc... will it create 'knocking' noise, etc???)

Any advices welcome.

Thank you.

Hi Lawrence, you should be fine without any problems rolling on 18" Volutions.
I think IPD suggests replacing the factory Sway Bar End Links with their IPD
Heavy Duty End Links when installing their Anti-sway bars.
I think at the end of the factory end links lifespan, they start to make the knocking sound you refer to, I've had the unpleasant chance of replacing them twice already; with just over 135,000km on my 2002. So I'm really looking forward to the IPD upgraded end links.

Check out this thread:
http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publish/Industry_News/article_718.html

[Lawrence Lee]

Hi Lawrence, you should be fine without any problems rolling on 18" Volutions.
I think IPD suggests replacing the factory Sway Bar End Links with their IPD
Heavy Duty End Links when installing their Anti-sway bars.
I think at the end of the factory end links lifespan, they start to make the knocking sound you refer to, I've had the unpleasant chance of replacing them twice already; with just over 135,000km on my 2002. So I'm really looking forward to the IPD upgraded end links.

Check out this thread:
http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publish/Industry_News/article_718.html

Hi Ifnt420,

Thank you very much for your advice duly noted and appreciated.

Cheers! {Happy Lunar New Year!!}

[neuronXC70]

question regarding the HD endlinks.

are they for the front as well as the back? on the IPD site, it seems like they are needed only for the front.

help.

han

[pico de luuks]

question regarding the HD endlinks.
are they for the front as well as the back? on the IPD site, it seems like they are needed only for the front.
help.
han

Front only.