XC90 D5 (2011) steering wheel vibration

GPNov1663 · Post by **GPNov1663** » 27 Apr 2023, 16:39

Hello,

My 2011 Xc90 D5 (105k miles) has recently had significant work completed following a bad steering rack diagnosis:

1. Steering rack replaced with Volvo new

While the subframe was out, I thought we may as well do everything else:
2. Front engine mount https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts/e ... t/1032949/
3. Rear engine mount https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts/e ... r/1039421/
4. Engine mounting right lower https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts/e ... r/1014601/
5.Engine mounting upper https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts/e ... r/1018753/
6. Engine mounting left lower https://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts/e ... r/1012516/
7. All 4 control arm bushings (supplied also from Scandix)

I was expecting to drive away in a new car, but was very disappointed.

The steering is perfect but there is noticeable engine vibration visible on the steering wheel at idle (less than 1500 rpm). It reduces slightly when I increase RPM at idle above 1500 rpm. I have checked the vacuum suction at the control solenoid and can confirm vacuum pressure at normal idle below 1500rpm, and no suction above 1500 rpm. Not sure if this is correct or not.

When driving at any speed, there is strong engine vibration felt on the steering wheel when accelerating or driving up hill. When driving along the flat or down hill, the vibration disappears.

There's enough clues in here for someone knowledgeable to figure this out. Any ideas ? I've heard talk of some sort of resonance damper on the subframe. Could that have been compromised during the work ?

Post by **Krons** » 27 Apr 2023, 20:06

All subframe bushings replaced?

GPNov1663 · Post by **GPNov1663** » 27 Apr 2023, 20:10

Hi Krons,

Not replaced but they appear to be in good condition. I actually tried using poly inserts with the subframe bushings and that made the vibration 10x worse. I have since removed the poly inserts.

Post by **Krons** » 27 Apr 2023, 20:24

I’d change them. I have a vibration at idle on my 08 S60 2.5T and pretty sure that’ll cure it.

Good news is they are cheap for OEM and you should be able to replace them without pulling the subframe, there YouTube videos on it.

GPNov1663 · Post by **GPNov1663** » 27 Apr 2023, 20:26

Thanks for your advice. I will have a go. Do you recommend replacing subframe bolts ? Arnt they single use ?

Post by **Krons** » 28 Apr 2023, 11:35

Definitely single use, as they are torque plus turn method.

adrian22 · Post by **adrian22** » 05 Oct 2023, 13:19

I have same problem =my car v70 2006 has only 100k miles with this problem
Front vibration at a stop or park in any gear
I visually checked the and look ok --the low miles of the car make me believe this in not the problem
I replaced all 5 motor mounts with new -and did not improve it
As you said vibration is worse when you park on a downhill slope and disappear on a uphill slope
did you replaced the subframe bushings yet ? just curious if this improved the vibrations
Thanks

Post by **Krons** » 07 Oct 2023, 06:49

adrian22 wrote: ↑05 Oct 2023, 13:19 I have same problem =my car v70 2006 has only 100k miles with this problem
Front vibration at a stop or park in any gear
I visually checked the and look ok --the low miles of the car make me believe this in not the problem
I replaced all 5 motor mounts with new -and did not improve it
As you said vibration is worse when you park on a downhill slope and disappear on a uphill slope
did you replaced the subframe bushings yet ? just curious if this improved the vibrations
Thanks

It helped vibrations on my 08 S60. YouTube videos out there on how to change them. Be sure to have them centered and square when you drive new ones in. I had one get crooked and cracked the plastic driving it in with an electric impact.