xc vibration/going crazy

snowvo · Post by **snowvo** » 09 Oct 2005, 09:21

If any can give me any information on what the heck is wrong with this car, I'm starting to loose my mind. Short version ...

98 XC AWD, 67,000 miles, bought new, no accidents.

Problem: At highway speeds of 65 and above the car starts to vibrate. I can feel it in the wheel, seat, pedal and floor.

History: Since darned near new, the car has had this problem and I have replaced the tires a number of times, had the wheels balanced and alignment done too many times to count.

The original dealer blamed the Continental tires and replaced them (my cost) 2X.

New Goodyears 7,000 miles ago and they are "feathered" at the rear. With each new set of tires the problem goes away "a bit", that is I can cruise at 70 mph with only minor annoyance, but the problem always returns.

I hate to get rid of this car and walk away from Volvo in disgust, but paying over $35K for a car that cant (in 6 years), be driven over 70 mph shouldn't be asking too much?

The local foreign car guy want's to replace the rear shocks ($1,100), to try and "cure" the problem.

Any help appreciated.

GerCar · Post by **GerCar** » 10 Oct 2005, 09:33

could it be your CV joints? i know that when a car gets past 60 it could be a problem with the balancing..but do they not balance the tires on a mondern system?

I know when i had my cv joints go...850 i swear you could make a milkshake in it.

good luck

saltydog · Post by **saltydog** » 11 Oct 2005, 05:37

If the rear tires are feathering, then that's gotta be where your problem lies. I had a similar issue with an 01 XC - rear control arms where bent by a shop apprentice who didn't know where to put the hoist. It doesn't take much to throw the rear setting out & you'll never be able to set the correct alignment specs. You've already spent a lot of dough....I would suggest going to a reputable collision shop & getting them to check all your measurements re frame vs suspension location- maybe even go to the extent of putting it on a frame machine as you never know, it could have been damaged in transport.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 11 Oct 2005, 18:30

Salty and gercar:

Thanks for the replys. I'm going to leave the car for the mech to use for a few days.