Page 186 of 265
1996 Volvo 850
l Check condition of drive belts.
l Check state of charge of battery.
l Examine tires carefully (the spare tire as well), and replace those th\
at are worn. Check tire pressures.
l The brakes, front wheel alignment, and steering gear should be checked b\
y your Volvo retailer only.
l Check all lights, including high beams.
l Reflective warning triangles are legal requirement in some countries.
l Have a word with your Volvo retailer concerning engine adjustments if yo\
u intend to drive in
countries where it may be difficult to obtain correct fuel.
l Consider your destination. If you will be driving through an area where \
snow or ice are likely to
occur, consider snow tires.
Contents | Top of Page
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_412.htm (10 of 10)12/30/2006\
9:59:35 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 188 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
NOTE: When storing wheel/tire assemblies (e.g. winter tires and wheels)\
, either stand the assemblies
upright or suspend them off the ground. Laying wheel/tire assemblies on \
their sides for prolonged
periods can cause wheel and/or tire damage.
Wear indicator
The tires have a so-called "wear indicator" in the form of a number of n\
arrow strips running across or
parallel to the tread. When approx. 1/16" (1.6 mm) is left on the trea\
d, these strips show up and indicate
that the tire should be replaced.
Tires with less than 1/16" (1.6 mm) tread have a very poor grip in rai\
n or snow.
When replacing worn tires, it is recommended that the tire be identical \
in type (radial) and size as the
one being replaced. Using a tire of the same make (manufacturer) will \
prevent alteration of the driving
characteristics of the vehicle.
To improve tire economy:
l Maintain correct tire pressure.
l Drive smoothly: avoid fast starts, hard braking and tire screeching.
l Tire wear increases with speed.
l Do not change wheel location unless necessary.
l Correct front wheel alignment is very important.
l Unbalanced wheels impair tire economy and driving comfort.
l If the wheels are rotated, they should be kept on the same side of the c\
ar so that they revolve in the
same direction as prior to rotation.
l Hitting curbs or potholes can damage the tires and/or wheels permanently\
.
Flat spots
All tires become warm during use. After cooling, when the vehicle is par\
ked, the tires have a tendency to
distort slightly, forming flat spots. These flat spots can cause vibrati\
ons similar to the vibrations caused
by imbalanced wheels. They do, however, disappear when the tire warms up\
. The degree to which the
flat spots form depends on the type of cord used in the tire. Remember t\
hat, in cold weather, it takes
longer for the tire to warm up and consequently longer for the flat spot\
to disappear.
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_501.htm (2 of 5)12/30/2006 9\
:59:37 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org
Page 254 of 265

1996 Volvo 850
Turbo: Champion RC7GYC (or equivalent)
Spark plug gap 0.028" (0.7 mm)
Tightening torque 18.4 ft. lbs. +/- 3.7 ft. lbs. (25 Nm +/- 5 Nm)
Front suspension
Spring strut suspension with integrated shock absorbers and control arm \
linked to the support frame.
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Safety type steering column.
The alignment specifications apply to an unladen car but include fuel, c\
oolant, and spare wheel.
Toe-in measured on the wheel rims: 2.4 mm +/- 0.7 mm
Toe-in measured on tire sides: 2.9 +/- 0.9 mm
Rear Suspension
Delta-link individual rear-wheel suspension with longitudinal support ar\
ms, double link arms and track
rods.
Toe-in measured on the tire sides: 4° +/- 10°
All specifications are subject to change without notice. pg. 9:5 Specifications (cont.)
Power transmission
Manual transmission: M 56 H
Single-disc dry plate clutch. All-synchromesh on all gears including rev\
erse; integrated final drive.
Operation via a floor mounted gear lever.
Final drive ratio 4.00:1
Reduction ratios
file:///K|/ownersdocs/1996/1996_850/96850_901.htm (5 of 7)12/30/2006 9\
:59:55 AMClassic Cars & Cycles www.ClassicCycles.org