2008 S60 - shaking like crazy, won't really accelerate Topic is solved

[matthew1]

Does the CV boot have grease on it? Is it cracked/leaking/failed?

[mcertain]

Thank you yanga001, that's an extremely helpful suggestion, when change fluid do you mean via the Gibson method or do a flush? I did a recent drain and fill, and tried to put back exactly what I took out, but as always some was spilled, I keep checking the dipstick while it's hot, when I first take it out (without wiping or redipping), it shows low, when I reinsert it and check again it reads a little bit above the hot full line (checking with it full temp) it almost feels like the dipstick is a bit unreliable. I checked it when it was cold a while ago, and the dipstick was reading to the hot line and not the cold line, any insight on this? I know checking when hot is always ideal, I'm just a little inexperienced with Volvos, I'm quite familiar with the suspension systems and such, but engine and transmissions are very confusing for me atm. Thanks so much!

[mcertain]

Mathew, one side is new from rock auto, and it makes a loud clack when rocking the car, other side is old (before me) neither are leaking or ripped or anything of the sort, rock auto quality levels are mediocre most of the time so it would not surprise me that my 2 month old CV axle is bad, but I'm very confused on whether or not that would cause the issue I submitted video of?

[matthew1]

and the car won't really accelerate when it's happening

The source can't be anything other than engine or transmission. CV boot problems can cause vibration, but not acceleration problems. Gotta be transmission.

[yanga001]

If its a shift flare then i would suggest refreshing the fluid via drain and fill at this point and see if it goes away. From their, do a drain and fill on every oil change for the next little bit. Im not sure if you can "fix" the flare with a drain and fill as i do not know the history of the transmission. It could be that this is an early stage issue (issue only occurs at high rpm and high speeds) and may be fixed by the fluid. Another fun thing is to check your motor mounts. On a previous wagon i had collapsed motor mounts which flexed the transmission and caused significant shift flares at nearly all speeds. New mounts fixed the issue.

The most economical way to do this would be do a drain and fill if you have never done one before as its one of those things that should be done for the health of the car. Make sure you measure how much fluid you take out and then put a corresponding amount back in. Transmissions are measured when warmed up and on a flat surface so an accurate measurement can be difficult.

At the same time check your engine mounts. I would not parts cannon it yet as the new fluid may fix the issue and i am speaking from experience on another platform with a older setup. If the engine mounts are collapsed then it may be a good idea to replace them.

There is a youtuber who recently rescued a v70R and that has a good example of shift flares. Lookup idocars and look at the v70r video.

Hope this helps!

[yanga001]

Thank you yanga001, that's an extremely helpful suggestion, when change fluid do you mean via the Gibson method or do a flush? I did a recent drain and fill, and tried to put back exactly what I took out, but as always some was spilled, I keep checking the dipstick while it's hot, when I first take it out (without wiping or redipping), it shows low, when I reinsert it and check again it reads a little bit above the hot full line (checking with it full temp) it almost feels like the dipstick is a bit unreliable. I checked it when it was cold a while ago, and the dipstick was reading to the hot line and not the cold line, any insight on this? I know checking when hot is always ideal, I'm just a little inexperienced with Volvos, I'm quite familiar with the suspension systems and such, but engine and transmissions are very confusing for me atm. Thanks so much!

park on level after engine is warmed up. If you have an odb2 look for a transmission fluid temp of 70C +.

Take out the tranny dipstick, wipe it with a non lint cloth or microfiber and stick it all the way in and pull it out and look for the flat line or fill indications.

You are really worried about if its too low. A little above is not a problem. Heavily above may be a problem.

Repeat this 2-3 times to get an average.

Look at the colour too and post it.

Our S60's use 3309. If you were closer i have like 6 bottles spare from my last escapade (needed a lot less fluid to get a really clean system). I got mine at napa autoparts and used mobil 3309.

I think you need 4 bottles min, but the amount out is like 3.6L. Measure the amount that came out and put that in.

[jonesg]

one side is new from rock auto, and it makes a loud clack when rocking the car,

to me, thats the problem right there.
non OEM drive shafts are rarely good for long even when new.
I would try a used but still good drive shaft.

[mcertain]

It's at a mechanic right now, they confirmed and according to their equipment, the transmission is operating exactly as it should, they will find something tomorrow, thanks everyone for the advice and help, the Volvo community is an amazing place, I will update when I have a solution

P.s. I did preform a drain and fill already, the fluid is bit on the brown side, but wasn't horrible, I was given no history on the car, so I'm unsure if it's the OEM fluid, however based on the condition of the car (not a single spot of rust anywhere under or on) i would guess it was taken care of at least to the minimum extent. I'm awaiting response from mechanic.

[yanga001]

It's at a mechanic right now, they confirmed and according to their equipment, the transmission is operating exactly as it should, they will find something tomorrow, thanks everyone for the advice and help, the Volvo community is an amazing place, I will update when I have a solution

P.s. I did preform a drain and fill already, the fluid is bit on the brown side, but wasn't horrible, I was given no history on the car, so I'm unsure if it's the OEM fluid, however based on the condition of the car (not a single spot of rust anywhere under or on) i would guess it was taken care of at least to the minimum extent. I'm awaiting response from mechanic.

What fluid did you use on the drain and fill? Slight changes in viscosity can make a big difference.

Shift flares usually present on a warmed or hot transmission as you are driving. I doubt they will find something in a shop, and "transmission equipment" may just consist of the OBD2 scanner unless you know otherwise. I phrase it like this as our Honda dealership charges a "diagnostic fee" to connect a computer and check what we already know.

I'd get that fluid to a more red colour sooner than later if you plan on driving those speeds. If they do find something i look forward to hearing it.

Best of luck!

[mcertain]

Transmission was hot when I dropped it off, I had just drive from work 30 minutes straight to the shop, they believe it's something else and they have an excellent reputation, so I'm gonna trust their judgment in this one, not a dealer btw