Hard shaking in front end when I accelerate

Hanna · Post by **Hanna** » 13 Oct 2011, 17:15

I own a 2001 Volvo s80 and have been having a problem with it shaking. I drove it all summer in Phoenix where it was generally between 100-110 degrees. I now am at school in Flagstaff Arizona where it gets a good amount of snow and the temperature is not dropping to about 50 during the day and sometimes 30 at night. Last week I was heading out for a trip home and was on the highway and my car starting shaking violently a little more on the front passenger side. It was very cold outside, I pulled over and turned my car off and a check coolant light when on. So I checked it and the coolant was completely gone so I filled it with a antifreeze coolant and the problem went away for 15 minutes and then the shaking continued only when I accelerated. It seemed to stop while I was down in Phoenix in warmer weather. But now the shaking is starting again even when it isn't very cold. Almost every time I drive over 65 it shakes not too hard but enough for me to notice and make me worry. So I checked the coolant once again and it is still very full. Any ideas on what to do? I don't have too much money right now to go get it serviced but am worried about the shaking especially with driving up down the mountain so often. Please help I am car illiterate.

Post by **Juan62** » 13 Oct 2011, 18:35

Suspension, Tires, alignment, etc,.
Start with the cheapest...check tires and proper air pressure. Take you car somewhere like Pepboys or Tire Kingdom. I've seen their online ad for free inspections (brake safety check). That will help you to know where you will start spending money.

budlight · Post by **budlight** » 06 Aug 2012, 22:31

The cold weather might be the reason, the vehicle is activating the STC (traction Control) system because of an icy route.

Transmission failure will give you a vibration when increasing speed at certain ranges.

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Aug 2012, 00:38

Bad CV joints can cause problems under load, or the balance could just be knocked off from a wheel weight or something.

Having it checked out by a tire shop would definitely give you a better idea of what is actually going on with it. Let us know.

MickS80 · Post by **MickS80** » 08 Jan 2013, 04:34

Had the same problem myself and replace a nearside cv joint. Solved the problem to an extent as there is still a slight shake. Maybe I need to replace the nearside wheel bearing which maybe gone due to the failed cv joint.

Does the steering kick when you brake or does the brake pedal kick back..maybe disc is warped?

As was said check your wheels and tyres...I have had the same problem on my previous bmw where a tyre was faulty and caused shaking or maybe the wheel it's self is damaged?

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 08 Jan 2013, 22:31

If its only under acceleration its most likely the inner CV joint. Although you can be almost sure that your control arm bushings that might have been, For sure you would be best advised to check for play in the balljoint, control arms and tie rod ends, but likely the vibraation you are experiencing is typically caused by a failing inner CV joint. Good news is that the entire shaft is pretty reasonable.