Front end vibration, 2001 Volvo V70

ke6oti · Post by **ke6oti** » 22 Mar 2008, 19:55

Hello,

I just purchased new tires for my '01 V70 wagon (77K + miles), and now there is a disturbing front end vibration that appears between 60-75 mph. I thought it was improperly balanced tires at first, but the vibration only occurs when the car is under load (i.e. under acceleration). I returned it to the tire shop just to make sure it wasn't the tires, and this time they laser-balanced the wheels, but sure enough, the vibration is still there. Since the tires are most probably balanced, and the vibration is torque sensitive, could it be the CV joints?

Again, summary of "symptoms":

New tires
Speed sensitive AND torque sensitive front end vibration
Vibration feels side-to-side and is transmitted through accelerator, steering wheel, frame
No vibration when coasting or slowing through speed range
Moderate to heavy-moderate vibration when under load, esp. uphill and in curves

Thank you for any help, and Happy Easter!

Matthew

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Mar 2008, 20:11

Matthew,
Welcome to MVS.
I had similar vibrations in my S70 and it ended up being a worn axle shaft. Once I replaced it, it was fine. Certainly it might not be this at all in your case. Check also the control arm/ball joint end and inner and outer tie rods which can also create vibrations under load.

ke6oti · Post by **ke6oti** » 23 Mar 2008, 00:53

Thank you for the welcome!

I neglected to mention (because I forgot) that an alignment was performed when the new tires were installed. Would (or should) they have found any wear / issues with the tie rods or control arm/ball joint at that time? They would have been right in there looking at it.

Matthew

Post by **JRL** » 23 Mar 2008, 06:07

ke6oti wrote:Thank you for the welcome!

I neglected to mention (because I forgot) that an alignment was performed when the new tires were installed. Would (or should) they have found any wear / issues with the tie rods or control arm/ball joint at that time? They would have been right in there looking at it.

Matthew

If you didn't complain, they would have had no reason to look

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 23 Mar 2008, 08:06

You can check somethings at home. Jack up one side of the car, and pull and push the tire in the front at the 3 o'clock position for play. If OK, then switch the front and back tires to eliminate a bent rim possibility. Go to the other side and do the same. Then drive the car.

bobd324 · Post by **bobd324** » 28 Mar 2008, 07:05

I am also having a vibration trouble with my V70. When my wife drives it to work (25 miles @ 75mph) when she leaves highway she gets a vibration at lower speeds, and the same on the way home. when i drive it (only short distances) i cant get it to do it. could it be heat related? tires? tires are 4 month old snows. The stealership found a bad tie rod end and did an alignment last week but something is still up. yesterday i jacked up the right side and there was play in the 3 to 9 oclock direction and a slight clunck that seemed to come from the center of the car behind the engine. when i jack the left side there is no noise and less movement. i have also noticed that when turning full lock to the left and press the gas there is a clicking, axle shaft?? there is no noise to the right. if i need an axle should i replace both? can the axle shaft cause the vibration after being warmed up?? thanks, bobd