Volvo 2002 V70XC Vibration

[Bob296]

My son's 2002 V70XC with 88k miles has a vibration from 70mph and above.

I found the discussions about V70 vibrations on this forum quite interesting and informative; and, wish to post this problem specific to his Volvo.

The following steps have been taken to determine the vibration cause.

1. The tires have been balanced and their diameters were determined to be within driving specifications.
2. A Volvo Specialty shop and a Volvo dealer who diagnosed this Volvo were unable to identify the vibration cause. A steering link was stated to be some loose but still serviceable and not perceived to be causing the vibration. The struts were stated to be within service specifications.

Last evening he and I drove this Volvo and detected a vibration at 70 mph and above that seemed to be pronounced or initiated when encountering a small road bump, such as section divider.

Plus, this vibration was observable during acceleration and coasting without braking. The steering was predictably responsive and not perceived to be loose.

Without prejudicing a perception or past experience, how problematic are the drivelines and the presumed 8 included universal joints. Also, what steps are required to validate driveline and/or universal joint defectiveness?

Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Bob

[MadeInJapan]

Even though you say the tires were balanced, this is my first thought. I have been taking my cars to National Tire and Battery (NTB). They've done a fine job but after this particular service manager left, I've had to take my car in at least twice each time I've rotated and balanced my tires on either car for them to get it right...always that 70mph area that it starts to vibrate. They just aren't careful in the weights and weight placement when spinning the tires on the auto balancer. Of course they're going to claim it's balanced properly but still, no go.

It's either the above or the ball joint on the end of the control arm is slightly flexing as the bushing is starting to wear. If not either of the issues I've mentioned, then it could be just one tire rod (inner or outer, but probably the outer). Small amounts of wear in Volvo front suspensions transform into big vibrations at even moderate speeds.

[Bob296]

MadeInJapan:

Thanks for your well stated response -- I'll pass it on to my son.

Since we live in the Seattle, WA area, we will neet to find a fine shop to do the 'high-speed' balancing.

Bob

[moneypenny1]

Have you checked the Driveshafts? I had a similar issue with my 2001 xc70 and i reconditioned the faulty drive shaft and problem sorted. Hope this helps.