2003 V40 Weird Front End Vibration

wwcaterson · Post by **wwcaterson** » 14 Oct 2015, 08:14

I've checked the discussions for this, but wasn't able to find exactly what I was looking for: I've started noticing a front end vibration when I achieve speeds of 35 - 55 mph or when I hit bumps (similar symptoms to unbalanced tires) however, it is noticebly worse when the car's been sitting (ie overnight) but as I drive the vibration dissipates. When I left it at the airport for a week and got in to drive it home, the vibration was horrible! But the more I drove the better it got. And if I drive for any length of time (a couple of hours) it pretty much goes away. Then in the morning, the vibration returns. It's a 2003 V40 with 133,000 miles. Done recently: front struts replaced at 120,000, axles replaced at 125,000, rear struts replaced at 130,000. Tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles (will do so again at 135,000). Any thoughts?

Post by **Vovo_merz** » 17 Oct 2015, 06:02

when you replaced front struts did you replace upper strut seat? it can be that, once you start driving it moves around and possibly finds a better position to sit in that is why vibration goes away, but while sitting it settles in and feels much worse until heats up from moving around, its that's not it and it can be number of front end bushings about half a year ago had to do whole front suspension on my moms s40 do to neglecting to replace strut mounts on time which damaged the rest of the suspension parts.
I hope this helps Good luck

Post by **alschnertz** » 17 Oct 2015, 09:16

My first guess is that you may have a tire whose tread is separating. How old are the tires? Are they a reputable brand? I've read reviews (though I can't find them now) regarding inferior tires coming from China.
You can try to check it by jacking up one wheel at a time and giving it a spin and observe the tread as it goes around. Look for some degree of run-out.

Or it's also possible that you have a bent rim. Though the rim would likely give a vibration all the time.

sbattaglia · Post by **sbattaglia** » 08 Dec 2015, 09:46

I have similar issues. How are your motor mounts? I need new mounts, cv joints and a new rack and pinion according to the different people I had look at the car. Three boots warn and need replacement.

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 08 Dec 2015, 17:02

Could perhaps be a front wheel bearing?
Once the hub heats up somewhat the grease may smoothen out the rollers rotation inside and the vibrations would reduce.

Post by **oragex** » 09 Dec 2015, 18:10

How are the control arm bushings when the wheel is turned to lock?

Unbalanced tires cause steering wheel vibration. Where did you source the axles? Many refurbished parts are poorly done and cause vibration particularly when acceleration up hill. Also look at engine/transmission mounts as mentioned.