Looking for insight - vibration at highway speed

[wczimmerman]

We just did a quick 150 mi run at highway speeds and I am noticing a definite vibration once you are past 60mph and then lessening quite a bit after 80mph (though still there). It's enough to feel in the steering wheel but when I initially picked up this vehicle in AZ and drove it home to NV a few weeks ago it wasn't doing that at all. Prior to 60 it is buttery smooth.

So, my initial thoughts are:

• Struts?
  Tie rod(s)?
  Wheel balance?

I figured I would post here and search around a bit to see the the collective knowledge of the group might know.

2005 XC70 with 143K miles

[wczimmerman]

I should add that at times the vibration would go away at highway speeds but then come back again, which is why I started thinking maybe it is an imbalance condition.

It also does it when cruising at a steady speed (vs. accelerating which some have reported)

[wczimmerman]

I think I will start with low hanging fruit: I will rotate the tires and make sure the hub/wheels are clean as I do so. If the vibration reduces or goes away, then I know I have a wheel balance or tire issue. If not, I'll have to dig a bit deeper.

[MoVolvos]

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Start by higher inflation (38 to 40) if the tires are in good condition. As always do this at your own risk making sure they are 44lb Max Inflation tires.

[wczimmerman]

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Start by higher inflation (38 to 40) if the tires are in good condition. As always do this at your own risk making sure they are 44lb Max Inflation tires.

Even easier. I'll give that a try first.

[MoVolvos]

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Start by higher inflation (38 to 40) if the tires are in good condition. As always do this at your own risk making sure they are 44lb Max Inflation tires.

Even easier. I'll give that a try first.

Yes, that was the goal. By higher inflation you can eliminate two things. The tires contact path is smaller so any irregularities on the edge will be less apparent so you can determine outer edge. If it vibrates more you know either it needs a balance or the tire is out of round. However, it could still be a combination of things.

[wczimmerman]

Ok, I aired up the tires to 40psi and took the car for a quick drive to just over 60mph. I can say that the vibration in the steering wheel was much less than earlier today but instead I could feel the vibration more in the car through the seat than the steering wheel. Again, however, it was also coming in waves where there would be a wave of vibration and then none.

It looks like the tires are from 2016 (Uniroyal Tigerpaw Touring) with only about 3000 miles on them based on the invoices that came with the car. The prior owner did not drive the car much.

Out of balance perhaps? Or maybe out of round?

[- Pete -]

This sounds to me like classic front CV axle/joint in need of replacement. The fact that you say it's not always "present" indicates to me that it is felt when the engine/drivetrain/CV axles is/are under load, ie pulling up a hill.
Would that be accurate?

I'd do my best to determine if the oscillation your feeling is when you are under load or not/and if it is rpm or road speed specific.

Wheel imbalance tends to show itself at all wheel speeds, regardless of engine rpm - like a washing machine out of balance.

143k seems a little early, but far from unheard of for mileage on cars needing front CV's.

I have never had good luck with Uniroyal's on P2 Volvos. Don't freak out, I'm just saying, don't rule out tires either.

[wczimmerman]

It's not limited to under load. I can feel it when coasting, too. The CV joints at this point show no outward signs of failure but I will keep that in mind.

My next steps would be to rotate and test or perhaps take it to a local shop and have them rotated and balanced at the same time. If it moves or stays the same, then I will have more data.

[MoVolvos]

Ok, I aired up the tires to 40psi and took the car for a quick drive to just over 60mph. I can say that the vibration in the steering wheel was much less than earlier today but instead I could feel the vibration more in the car through the seat than the steering wheel. Again, however, it was also coming in waves where there would be a wave of vibration and then none.

It looks like the tires are from 2016 (Uniroyal Tigerpaw Touring) with only about 3000 miles on them based on the invoices that came with the car. The prior owner did not drive the car much.

Out of balance perhaps? Or maybe out of round?

Continue with the tires. Go to Discount tires and pay the $100 for their Road Hazard and Lifetime Balance. Have the tires check and if they are bad they will pay you under the warranty for new tires. If you have them balanced first and they are bad ...

Last year I drove 80 miles in the brand new 19 Atlas home due to a dealer trade because the one I wanted was not available locally. I was allowed to go with driver and on the way home the steering shook back and forth close to an inch as the speed went up. The driver a retired FBI agent frequently reminded me of the speed limit . Was focusing on getting use to the SUV so didn't pay attention to speed.

Drove to the dealership so they could clean it and told them also to check balance and alignment as the steering was also off. A couple hours later they said no alignments under warranty till 800 miles . Yea, right!

Went home and inflated the tires and the shaking back and forth in the steering went to the seat and you can also see the pillar vibrating. I went ahead and center the steering and corrected the toe and bump the inflation to 48 PSI as they are 52 PSI tires. The vibration in the wheel is pretty much gone but am not sure at higher speeds. The pillar if watching carefully still moves, almost imperceptibly however.

Guys in the Altas forum has experienced this. Force balance, alignment to CV joints have been the culprit out the factory beside terrible 20" Continentals. April will be one year and it only has 3,500 plus miles so not pursuing it with VW at this time.
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