2000 V70 XC Short bursts of washboard vibration (failed centre bearing)

[abscate]

If it was in Scarsdale it was probably only used monthly for trips to the local cosmetic surgeon.

Not sure if this is funny or sad. I know 2 people that live in Scarsdale, both have gotten cosmetic surgery multiple times in the past 2 years. SMH

Thinly veiled political humor, in this case aimed at our health care system.

There are more cosmetic surgeons in Scarsdale than General practioners in Bakersfield CA, two MSAs of same population.

[aewoodhouse]

Just wanted to post a follow up for the sake of possible usefulness.

Four new tires didn't fix the problem.

I was lucky enough to go for a very long drive with my mechanic who said that he believed the sound was indeed either the driveshaft or the angle gear but that it was so infrequent that it wasn't necessarily a sign of imminent major malfunction.

Also worth noting - its only happening when everything is heated up - after the car has been driven 30 or more highway miles at which point one can trigger it by hitting the gas pedal hard. Otherwise, it happens without provocation here and there but at this point, I'm not in for any major AWD repairs.

[scot850]

Do what we usually suggest with this type of problem, remove the prop-shaft and see if the issue goes away. If it does, it is likely a bearing in the prop-shaft (usually the front one), the center carrier bearing, failing front bush on the viscous coupling case, or the front VC bearing failing.

If the issue does not go away, it is either a bad drive-shaft (front), angle gear failing or the angle gear sleeve failing.

Still recommend checking the rear parking brake shoes, and calipers to make sure they are all operating as they should.

Neil.

[aewoodhouse]

Overdue follow up for anyone in a google hole. This turned out to be a failing center bearing. Will be buying a new shaft from Colorado Drive Shaft but for now the issue is minimal. I was surprised though that after so much fruitless googling about "intermittent washboard" issues, if you google failing driveshaft for any car it will mention the washboard effect.

[abscate]

Thanks for the follow up on this - thats great info. Will mark it for later.