Hello, I test drove 2011 R design today, we both notice there are vibration transmitted to the steering wheel more so than the Japanese cars we are used to. It's not a shimmy or oscillating type vibration anything, I was wondering if this is normal for the C30.

I may try to drive another one to see if they are all like that.

 

Not usually, but I suppose there could be. Drive another like you said.

 

And do not listen to anything the salesperson tells you. Only a back-to-back comparison will let you know. And, of course, make sure you're test driving another R Design model as the wheels and tires are different size and composition. It may be the combination of the hi-perf "summer" tires with oversized wheels and your local pavement conditions. So the 17" wheels of the "standard" model coupled with all season tires might feel very different.

 

I own an 09 S60 2.5T and the steering wheel vibrates a little. Seems to be more related to road terrain than anything else. Smooth road, little to no vibration.

I test drove a 2010 C30 a little over a year ago and noticed that it's steering wheel vibrated a little as well. Again, mostly related to road terrain.

I test drove a 2007 S80 a couple years ago.....same thing.

This seems to be related to how Volvo does the steering system.

By the way, are you tall? I'm tall, so I have the seat all the way back, which means I then telescope the steering wheel all the way out. My guess would be that with the steering wheel all the way out, vibration is probably greater.

I just rented a 2010 Corolla for a trip and noticed that it's steering wheel didn't really vibrate at all. A year and a half ago I rented a Chevrolet Cobalt and it's steering wheel did not vibrate at all. It was the cheapest car I've ever got as a rental yet was the only one to have no steering vibration. I believe the Cobalt uses some kind of non-mechanical connection for the steering system, so that likely isolates it from any vibration.

I'm taking my S60 in for scheduled maintenance this weekend and I'm going to ask them about the steering vibration, hopefully take them on a test drive to demonstrate. Will post back what I find out.

 

I recently purchased the 2011 C30 R Design with 18" wheels. I have not had any noticeable vibration in the steering wheel. It is the 6 speed manual trans. model.

 

Well that's obvious an happens on the first drive because when I was on my first test drive it happens to me.Its normal though you can try the another test drive.

 

Noticed the same subtle vibration(and very slight rubbing noise) during the test drive of my 2011 C30 R design.


Being that I test drove(and eventually bought) the car from a Toyota dealership, I knew to write a provision into the sale agreement that I could take the car to a Volvo dealer to look, and return if it did not meet Volvo standards.


Anyway, I took my C30 in last week and the vibration was due warped disks which apparently, are to be covered under warrantee. The car goes in on June 7th for the repair and I will let you know if vibration stops.


Although optional and have lots of pad left, I decide to take the Volvo mechanic's advice to replace the brake pads. This is at my cost.

 

Warped disk replaced under warrantee and vibration is better.
Still has tire noise and I can feel the tires transmitting into steering wheel... this is a good thing in my opinion.