'97 850 T5 Shaking/Rumbling

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 02 Jun 2017, 11:59

Hi all, I was hoping for some insight on an odd problem I'm having. Sometimes, when I hit a bump or pothole at speeds of over 30mph, my front end starts shaking and it feels exactly like driving over rumble strips. It seems to be related to speed. It will then go away entirely if I slow down back under around 30mph. It is not A/C or transmission related. Tires are newer and just have been balanced/rotated. Front end is stock. Strut bearings, mounts, and related hardware is newer. Does this sound similar to a common 850 problem? Where should I start looking?
Thanks all!

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 02 Jun 2017, 14:02

I also have noticed that the car shakes at highway speeds recently too.

Post by **scot850** » 02 Jun 2017, 14:58

Look at the tires for signs of chaffing on the edges showing either an alignment issue or worn suspension components. You could have various issues but I would start by looking at the following:

1) Control arms, in particular the ball-joints for wear and the 2 inner bushes for wear/failure.
2) This is an issue I often put down to a failed strut so check for leaks and that they are actually working. Try a bounce test on each corner.
3) Check the top strut mounts for the bush pulling away from the rubber.
4) Jack the car up and try to grip the wheel at 3 + 9PM positions and see if there is any movement in the steering joints and the ball-joint/inner control arm bushes. Easiest to tell if the steering is locked and you have a helper.
5) Then try either gripping the tire at 6 and 12 o'clock and try moving the top and bottom. Sometimes a piece of 2" x 4" lumber under the tire can help but remember the car is off the ground!
6) #4 and #5 will also give you a hint if the wheel bearings are failing.
7) The wheels may have been balanced, but hitting a pot hole can easily bend an alloy rim (usually on the inside as it has less strength there) or damage a tire.

Neil.

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 06 Jun 2017, 16:46

Thanks. You might be right about it being a strut issue. The driver's side strut failed the bounce test. I ordered touring Bilsteins all around. I'll update when I tear into it.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Jun 2017, 12:04

Good luck with the swap out. If you get the chance, can you measure the height of the lower spring seat on the OE and the Bilstein Tourings from the bottom of the strut. There are rumours that the Bilstein ones sit a little higher up the strut. I keep meaning to do this but have not gotten around to it yet due to working on the project V70.

Neil.

Post by **FLXC90** » 07 Jun 2017, 13:22

Check youp tie-rod ends while you're at it. They will cause a shake that diminishes when you turn or slow to reduce harmonic,

sacricide · Post by **sacricide** » 07 Jun 2017, 15:32

suspension probably, ive seen this many times also with a bad axle or one thats not fully seated.

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 15 Jun 2017, 20:35

Well I finally had some time to do some more poking and found that the balljoint was very loose. The lower joint of the stabilizer end link was as well so replaced both with Lemforder parts. The tie rod and axle appear tight but I think I'm going to replace the rod anyhow. I'll test drive it tomorrow.

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 16 Jun 2017, 19:32

Rumbling is still there. I was told by a a Volvo mechanic that it's the axle. It was replaced before my purchase and is aftermarket. I don't see any on fcp or idpusa besides oem Volvo and cheap aftermarket. Did Lemforder or any other OEM manufacturers make them? If like a quality one for $500+ for OEM Volvo is a bit much.

Annihilator · Post by **Annihilator** » 17 Jun 2017, 19:08

Well my passenger side axle is shot. The joint closest to the motor failed and took out the axle brace as well. Ideas on replacement parts?