vibration

yeagermeister · Post by **yeagermeister** » 30 Nov 2006, 07:41

I have developed a strange vibration in my 855. It's intermittent, and seems to happen more often at high speeds (above 45-50mph), but sometimes is noticeable at 30-40 as well.

I just replaced the lower control arms and sway bar links, but haven't gotten an alignment since I also have TREs to install.

I took all 4 wheels off last night, checked for loose connections on everything I've just replaced, and also checked the rear shocks/springs to make sure nothing was loose in those areas.

I did notice that the left front wheel is much harder to rotate than the right. I couldn't tell if this was a binding brake issue, or if that's just the transmission acting normal (right front wheel on ground, maybe the transmission works similar to a limited slip differential?)

The wheel bearings all seem to be tight, but the left rear disc, while spinning freely, makes a slight metallic grinding noise at the same spot on each rotation. All of the pads are in good shape (3/8"+ on front, 1/4"+ on rear), and none of the discs are noticeably warped.

Anyone have suggestions of where else to look?

Thanks in advance...

bobsnow100 · Post by **bobsnow100** » 30 Nov 2006, 10:14

sounds like an out of balanced tire,maybe a weight fell off a rim

Post by **luketrash** » 30 Nov 2006, 10:25

I've been dinking around with tow in/out since I replaced my tie rod ends.

I've got it 'close' to being in alignment, but at 78mph it starts shaking annoyingly. It's most likely an alignment issue rather than a wheel weight issue in my case. I want to get it aligned right by someone, but don't trust any shops to do caster, camber, and tow all at once, and then do it right.

Post by **billofdurham** » 30 Nov 2006, 11:42

yeagermeister your vibration would most likely be alignment but as you have TREs to do wait for that job being completed.

The front wheel being harder to rotate should be looked at as the caliper could be in need of attention - sounds like the pads aren't returning.

The noise on the rear wheel could be a handbrake shoe catching on a high spot in the drum. I have had this problem on two other Volvos and just left it alone with no ill effects.

luketrash any shop with the latest in alignment equipment should be able to do this. I have just replaced the front tyres and had front wheel alignment, caster, camber and front to back alignment checked. Fortunately only the front needed alignment. It has made a difference to the handling.

Bill.

yeagermeister · Post by **yeagermeister** » 01 Dec 2006, 07:51

billofdurham wrote:The front wheel being harder to rotate should be looked at as the caliper could be in need of attention - sounds like the pads aren't returning.

I believe this may my bigger problem. Any thoughts on how to check this without removing the caliper? Any sticky areas to look for first?

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Dec 2006, 12:16

Not really possible to check without removing the caliper. You need to check that the piston is free to return after brake application and that the guide pins are in good order.

One saving grace is that for the initial checks you don't need to disconnect the flexi pipe.

Bill.