Need help with vibration

sootro · Post by **sootro** » 17 Feb 2010, 00:51

I just bought an 02 s60. It has a vibration when I turn the wheel to the left at very low speeds (3 to 5 mph). I only have to turn the wheel a quarter turn at most to feel it, and it occurs as I turn the wheel. It is not present at higher speeds. Any help appreciated!

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Feb 2010, 01:01

Not sure how bad it vibrates but it could just be the wear on the tire.

How bad is the vibration?

sootro · Post by **sootro** » 17 Feb 2010, 01:10

Vibration is fairly strong. It feels a bit like the power steering going out, but that was just replaced, and its only at low speed. I make it happen when I turn the steering wheel back and forth, but it happens when I turn the wheel to the left. When I bring it back straight, nothing happens

Post by **matthew1** » 17 Feb 2010, 11:34

Check the level of the power steering fluid.

Post by **jblackburn** » 17 Feb 2010, 11:58

If you have to replace any fluid, remember:
Power steering fluid = bad. Volvos take Dex-III ATF for the power steering system.

You said the system was "replaced"...I wonder if they used the right fluid in it? Suck some out - put your finger over the tip of a straw and draw some out and see what color it is.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 17 Feb 2010, 13:37

Woah! is that true? Hello Are you saying that Only Dex lll-ATF is to be used? I'm stunned. I've been using synthetic power steering fluid in 2 V70s without issue. I've used both Volvo and Pentosen CHF11S. Both were pale green transparent in color and were said, by Brickboarders, to be one in the same. I took a P/S pump off a wrecked S70 once and its P/S system was filled with the same color stuff-not the most scientific determination I know. Are you sure jablackburn? Kira

Post by **jblackburn** » 17 Feb 2010, 13:53

The manual calls for ATF on my S70. I am not sure about the newer models. If you have your manual, I'd be interested to know the answer too

I believe so long as you don't mix ATF and PS fluid with each other, you will not have any issues. If you've got the green stuff in there, keep the green stuff in there. Synthetic fluid might loosen it up a little bit honestly - I hate how heavy the steering is on mine when I'm trying to parallel park on the tight spaces on campus at night.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 2&p=110557

Post by **confused_al** » 17 Feb 2010, 15:21

Georgeandkira wrote:Woah! is that true? Hello Are you saying that Only Dex lll-ATF is to be used?

No!!! P2 cars use synthetic hydraulic (power steering) system fluid instead. In fact, Volvo switched to synthetic PS fluid since 99 model year.

Post by **jblackburn** » 17 Feb 2010, 15:35

And this is why I should just stick to the 850 section

Thanks Al, good to know.

Post by **JDS60R** » 17 Feb 2010, 16:21

Lets try a test.
Start the car and while in park turn the wheel and let me know if you hear/feel the vibration.

Then drive at slow speeds as you stated and listen if the vibration is any faster/slower at 5mph than at 10 to 15 mph. Sometimes having the window down will help if you can hear it as well as feel it. If you can opnly feel it than stay warm and keep window closed.

Let us know.
My adding the speed variable I hope to be able to tell you where the vibration is coming from. You can also get a paper towel and place it ouver the surface of the front tires that meet the road. Let me know if the surface is flat or if the outer edge has waves or scallops (not the seafood )in it. I suspect this may be it.
Please let us know