V70 SUSPICIOUS TRANSMISSION VIBRATION

pbeach · Post by **pbeach** » 13 Apr 2005, 08:42

I had my 99 V70 serviced (90K service) at the dealer at which time they convinced me to replace/repair several other items: A collapsed motor mount, Canister and Shut-off valve, Thermostat, Drive Belt, some Vacuum hoses, and rotate/balance the tires.

After they had made the repairs, the first time I drove the car - still on the lot - the driveability at very low speeds (just before stopping) was markedly BAD. I talked with the mechanic, and he gave me an explanation that the vibration was due to a soon-to-fail transmission and happens only when downshifting (that seems reasonable) and that it was masked by the fact that the tires were out of balance. I think he's wrong about that... This is a dramatic change - never experienced any vibe like it.

Could it be related to an electronic sensor or something that they replaced?

To further complicate, the dealership was sold------ Should I just take it to a Volvo mechanic and forget the dealership?

I really like my car, but I hate having unresolved issues and feeling like I'm getting taken. I'm considering buying something new just to avoid the hassle.

Thanks for any input!

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 13 Apr 2005, 14:25

Well, I hate to confirm what the mechanic said, but here's what happened when my tranny died: Ironically, I was heading to the dealership for my inspection when it happened. I was about 3 or 4 miles from the dealer when I was coming to a stop at a light. I felt like a bump sort of thing that felt much like running over a very small speed bump. When I took off from the light, the car was acting quite strangely. It seemed to be shifting about 500-700 RPM's higher than it normally would've. The bump thing happened again just as I pulled into the dealer parking lot. I put it in park and when I tried to put it back into Drive, the car wouldn't move AT ALL. The only other thing I think that would cause vibration like you said would be one of the motor mounts. Possibly, the front lower torque arm mount. Nothing electronic would cause vibration.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Apr 2005, 14:41

he gave me an explanation that the vibration was due to a soon-to-fail transmission and happens only when downshifting (that seems reasonable) and that it was masked by the fact that the tires were out of balance.

Were your tires very out of balance? I can't see these two problems masking each other. Usually problems' symptoms would be additive, meaning you're going to have twice the noise/vibration/havoc, not less.

I've heard of blaming one problem for causing another, but can't recall many blamed for hiding another.