Front end vibration

[dmk-v70]

Hello all, thanks in advance for you help. I have a 99 V70 with 182k. I began getting a shimmy from the front end several weeks ago. It is more pronounced when turning to the left at higher speeds. In researching this problem on this forum, I concluded that it was caused by the front wheel hub. So, I changed the wheel hub and the drive axle. I get back in the car genuinely satisfied that I save a ton of money and rid myself of that annoying vibration/shimmy. Well, not quite so, I still have the same vibration in the front passenger side (can feel the vibration in the steering wheel as well). I am now wondering what other part could be causing this problem. Any advice on what to try next would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[jblackburn]

When turning to the left, so you changed the passenger side hub, right? Just checking

Control arm bushings? If you floor it from a stop, or come onto the gas hard in 2nd gear, does it dart around like a squirrel trying to cross the road?

[dmk-v70]

Yes I did replace the right front wheel hub (passenger's side). I also replaced the drive axle on that side as well as all four rotors, brake pads and three out of the four calipers (due to not being able to push them all the way back in). It does not dart out when hitting the gas and it seems like I still have all the control as before, just a very annoying shimmy. Could it be the tie rods?

[Ozark Lee]

If your tie rods and control arms check out OK start looking at motor mounts. When the motor mounts go south the engine and transaxle will shift and put the axles in a bind. It tends to be more pronounced under acceleration or on uphill grades.

...Lee

[dmk-v70]

Thanks for the info. The engine top engine mount on the passenger side was replaced within the last year or so. How do i go about checking the control arm and tie rods. I read that I should jack the car up, put my hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if there is any back and forth play. Is the correct way or do you recommend another. Thanks again.

[confused_al]

I read that I should jack the car up, put my hands at 3 and 9 o'clock and see if there is any back and forth play

Yup, 3 & 9 to check tie rod on that side, and 12 & 6 o'clock to check the control arm.
BTW, you might also want check the front engine mount and trans mount, #1 and #6 in the fig.

[outdoor7or24]

hope you get this solved. I am experiencing similar issues....

[larryh]

did you try rotating the tires to see if that changes anything? could just be a bad or out of balance tire.

[dmk-v70]

Thanks for the all the information. Tonight I am busy building an ark due to the 5 inches of rain we are getting in the next few days but when that is done I will try the suggestions and get back to you all. I had new tires put on a few months ago so I don't know if they need to be rotated but will try that if it is isn't the mounts, tie rods or control arms. BTW how much play should there be in the tire when I check? Thanks again.

[Ozark Lee]

BTW how much play should there be in the tire when I check?

So long as you have one wheel on the ground there should be no discernible play either vertically or laterally. If you try to check it with whole front end on jack stands you will get fooled by the slop between the locks on the steering wheel.

...Lee

[dmk-v70]

I checked the wheel the morning. I have no play when my hands are at 6 and 12, however, I have about a 1/4 inch or so of play when my hands are at 3 and 9. Ordered both inner and outer tie rods today and will replace on Friday. I will let everyone know if it fixes the problem. Thanks again.

[dmk-v70]

Hi again, does anyone know what the torque setting is for the outer tie-rod nut? Thanks.

[Ozark Lee]

Hi again, does anyone know what the torque setting is for the outer tie-rod nut?

52 lb/ft.

...Lee

[dmk-v70]

Thanks. I changed out the inner and outer tie rod on the passenger's side and it did the trick. My inner tie rod had quite a bit of play in in and was obviously shot. I brought the car in for an alignment today and had to replace the driver's side tire only after 20K miles. I am sure that it is from the front end problem. Car is now running great, thanks for all the help. As a tip it helped me to change out the tie rod by turning the tire as far to the right as possible so as to expose more of the tie rod. My boot was torn on the end and it was very wet inside. I am hoping that it is wet from running over water and not from a leaky seal but we shall see. Thanks again, Dave.