2003 XC70 - Vibration under Load

briankorte · Post by **briankorte** » 25 Apr 2016, 15:39

Have been chasing down a vibration for some time now...Under load get a bad vibration from what seems like the front end.
I have replaced both front left and right CV axels, have replaced engine mounts and have removed drive shaft with no change, in fact the vibration seemed to get worse after replacing the axels.
Is it possible that the transmission is bad? I do not experience any problems with shifting. I'm also considering the torque converter...?
I've read in a post that the front control arms may have failed, they were replaced in 2013 so not too old, but could they really cause this kind of vibration under load?
Any help or suggestions of other things to look at would be much appreciated.

Brian

Post by **oragex** » 25 Apr 2016, 17:12

If control arms bushings are worn, they can cause vibration under load on Volvo. It all depends which brand were the replacement ones. Most aftermarket one won't last over 2 years and can fail quite dramatically. Same goes for axles replacements: many chinese or rebuild ones give vibrations from the start. The axle end bolt can also get loosen.

briankorte · Post by **briankorte** » 26 Apr 2016, 09:35

I think my replacement control arms were Meyle from FCP Euro. It was a while ago and I didn't record what brand I used. But they definitely were not genuine Volvo. The axel replacements are remanufactured by USA industries, also purchased from FCP. Replaced first time about 1 month ago, and then just last weekend again to see if that fixed the issue - no change. Axel end bolt is tight.

You don't think there is any issues with the transmission though? Like I said, it shifts great, no slip or jerk/clunk between gears. Did a tranny flush last year.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Apr 2016, 10:35

Basic Meyle normally don't last (6 mths - 2 yrs), Meyle HD might be better. Easy to check, with wheels at full lock the front bushing will look crushed. Rear bushing will show cracks at the center bolt. Lemforder is the way to go with these. Don't think the tranny would cause vibration, unless the axles aren't pushed all the way back in.

briankorte · Post by **briankorte** » 27 Apr 2016, 07:51

Going to replace the control arms this weekend and see if that helps. Found out that the ones I had put in in 2013 were Meyle HD.

Is there any possibility that it could be the turbo? Been talking with a mechanic friend about this issue and he is suggesting that the turbo might not be working correctly and is causing the vibration.
Is there a way to rule out the turbo?

zanzabar · Post by **zanzabar** » 27 Apr 2016, 09:35

I doubt it's the turbo, or transmission. Control arms are a good bet. Make sure your shocks are good, check all mounts especially the passenger side lower one. Is the engine all tuned up? Spark plugs? Injectors.

Here's my experience.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 7&start=10

Post by **chrism** » 27 Apr 2016, 10:43

"...in fact the vibration seemed to get worse after replacing the axels...."

Were the new axles OE Volvo (built by GKN) or were they the $99 Chinese units that most of the parts houses are selling? There has been a lot of dissatisfaction expressed by people that purchased the latter.

If you still have the original axles laying around the garage, I would consider having then rebuilt.

briankorte · Post by **briankorte** » 27 Apr 2016, 13:18

replaced the front struts about 2 months ago. Have replaced 4 of the 5 engine mounts, still need to do the lower rear mount. replaced spark plugs about one month ago. Have not done the injectors.

axels are from FCP Euro and are made by USA industries, were $80. Genuine Volvo is $600+. Unfortunately, the originals I sent back to get the core charge.

I'll let you know how it goes after replacing the control arms this weekend.
Thanks.

Post by **chrism** » 27 Apr 2016, 15:14

If I was ever in a situation where my car had aftermarket axles and one went bad, I'd consider going to the PnP and pulling an OE axle to send in for rebuild.

zanzabar · Post by **zanzabar** » 28 Apr 2016, 11:34

I put Duralast (Autozone) axles on mine, they seem fine.