Vibration/Shudder in my 98 V70XC

my02xcsp · Post by **my02xcsp** » 18 Oct 2012, 16:19

my 98 has about 137000 miles on it. I get a shuddering type of vibration when turning left and right. It seems to be worse when turning right IIRC. Also it seems worse at low speed. 20 Mph or less. Going faster it seems to be smoother. Also its more apparent in tighter turns when accerating. Doing tight turns around 5 MPH it doesnt do it and im not getting any CV noise.

I do have a bad Nivomat on the drivers side rear.

thanks all.

Post by **Pauloil** » 18 Oct 2012, 16:52

time to check control arm bushings, CV jts, tie rods etc

my02xcsp · Post by **my02xcsp** » 18 Oct 2012, 20:12

Looks like ill be under the car this weekend. I think the CV's are fine but ill give them a look over. im pretty sure both Tie rods are good also. I need to check the control arm Bushings. Any other suggestions?

Post by **rmmagow** » 18 Oct 2012, 20:21

I'd check the propshaft too. My regular v70 awd did some weird shuddering that went away after having the propshaft removed. Not a scientific analysis for sure but another thing to keep in mind. I don't know if there is a way to actually check the propshaft but I bet it shouldn't move at the joints at all.

2volvoken · Post by **2volvoken** » 20 Oct 2012, 05:01

I just had the same exact symptoms on my wife's 98XC. Replaced the axle..test drove,still had the shudder. Almost like you are driving on rumble strips. I then inspected all suspension,all looked good.Noticed a very small bit of abnormal wear in front tires. I then rotated the tires from front to back, test drove. The shudder was now more frequent and occurred at all speeds,not just at slow speeds, but now the shudder was of course in the rear. I then replaced the 2 rear tires and she is driving perfect. They were a matched set of Michelan's by the way, and only about 3 years old. The tire shop pro-rated them.

ajr2820 · Post by **ajr2820** » 20 Oct 2012, 08:03

+1 On the control arms. Just had the same thing on my car. Replaced the lower control arms to find the ball joint in the right front was shot. Also put a new set of struts on it and replaced the worn out tires. It's like riding on glass now!

my02xcsp · Post by **my02xcsp** » 20 Oct 2012, 20:09

ok well i pulled the drveshaft and the vibration is gone. I checked the CV's and the rear wasnt too bad. Pretty dirty but smooth. ill replace the grease in it. The front was pretty crappy. the grease was thick and sticky like many others have mentioned on here. when taking it apart the rubber boot ripped. Is it possible to get a new seal? Also i was wondering if
a regular CV boot would work??

Jono51 · Post by **Jono51** » 21 Oct 2012, 01:35

I understand that the CV boot is available as a separate part, but maybe only from Volvo (front CV recently went went on our V70XC, but I have to replace the whole joint - the grease had turned to powder!!)

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Oct 2012, 02:29

Yes you can get and replace just the boot, readily available from many sources;

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/cv-boot-repair.html

Post by **holler1** » 21 Oct 2012, 06:35

I doubt that replacing the boot will fix the vibration. Try moving the joint (front joint on driveshaft). If there is any looseness it will probably get worse. There is a CV joint kit, but you might be better off replacing the driveshaft with a rebuilt one.