FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Volvo/XC60/Second Generation (2018-2024)/why does my Volvo XC60 feel like it’s wandering on the road

why does my Volvo XC60 feel like it’s wandering on the road

Volvo XC60 Second Generation (2018-2024)

Severity: highDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
501 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix wandering steering issues in Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Component
Steering
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Always engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks when working under the vehicle.
  • ⚠Ensure proper lifting techniques if using a jack or lift to inspect or replace components.

Symptoms

  • •Vehicle drifts or pulls to one side while driving straight
  • •Uneven tire wear observed on front or rear tires
  • •Steering wheel feels loose or unresponsive
  • •Vibration felt in the steering wheel at certain speeds
  • •Increased difficulty in maintaining a straight path

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect tire pressure on all four tires to ensure they are within manufacturer's specifications.
  2. 2Check for visible damage or uneven wear on tires.
  3. 3Perform a wheel alignment check to determine if the angles are within acceptable parameters.
  4. 4Inspect suspension components for wear or damage, including control arms, bushings, and struts.
  5. 5Check steering linkage for looseness or play, including tie rods and the steering rack.
  6. 6Test drive the vehicle to assess the handling characteristics and confirm wandering symptoms.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
  • Allow the vehicle to cool if previously driven.

2. Tire Inspection and Pressure Adjustment

  • Tools Required: Tire pressure gauge, air compressor
  • Check tire pressures and inflate to the recommended PSI as indicated on the driver's door jamb.
  • Inspect all tires for visible damage or uneven wear patterns.

3. Wheel Alignment

  • Tools Required: Wheel alignment machine
  • Position the vehicle on the alignment rack.
  • Adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles according to manufacturer specifications using the alignment machine.

4. Suspension Component Inspection and Repair

  • Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench, pry bar
  • Visually inspect suspension components for signs of wear or damage.
  • Replace any worn or damaged components such as control arms or bushings.
  • Reassemble and torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications.

5. Steering Linkage Inspection

  • Tools Required: Wrench set, socket set
  • Inspect tie rods and the steering rack for any signs of wear or looseness.
  • Tighten or replace components as necessary based on your inspection findings.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Air compressor
  • Wheel alignment machine
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Wrench set
  • Pry bar

Parts Required

  • Tires (if damaged)
  • Suspension components (if worn)
  • Tie rods (if defective)

Additional Information

Component

Steering

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

high

Tools

7 items

Parts

3 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my Volvo XC60 feel like it’s over-steering

    Learn how to diagnose and fix oversteering issues in your Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Unstable handling during turns
    • •Rear end feels loose or slides out
    • +{count} more
  2. why does my Volvo XC60 feel like it’s losing power while driving

    Learn how to diagnose and fix engine power loss in Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Engine stalling or hesitation during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  3. why does my Volvo XC60 EPS system fail intermittently

    Learn how to diagnose and fix intermittent EPS system failures in Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructi...

    Component:Steering
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Difficulty steering, especially at low speeds
    • +{count} more
  4. my Volvo XC60 doesn't start and just clicks what could be the problem

    Learn how to diagnose and fix starting issues in your Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Engine does not crank
    • •Clicking noise from the starter area
    • +{count} more
  5. my Volvo XC60 feels like it’s dragging when I drive what could cause this

    Learn how to diagnose and fix dragging sensation in Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Brakes
    Symptoms
    • •Vehicle feels sluggish or resistant when accelerating
    • •Increased engine RPM without corresponding speed increase
    • +{count} more
  6. what to do if my Volvo XC60 has a battery warning light

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the battery warning light issue in your Volvo XC60. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instruction...

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Battery warning light on the dashboard
    • •Difficulty starting the engine
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation