2000 V70 Suspension/Drive Train Vibrates upon Acceleration

bcj3984 · Post by **bcj3984** » 06 Mar 2014, 11:58

2000 V70 2.4 187K

Symptoms:
Initially felt like a bad ball joint - like the wheel was skittering around at 60-65mph - despite the vehicle tracking straight during acceleration and deceleration. Began as a rumble at 50mph but has become progressively worse. However, in all modes, as soon as there was neutral or negative load on the drive train the vibration ceases entirely. Over 70mph the vibration becomes somewhat increasingly dampened.

The vibration has now become worse over the last several days and feels this way at all times above 20mph through acceleration. Notwithstanding, the car still coasts perfectly smooth, straight, quiet, with neutral load. However, has now started light vibration with the negative load of deceleration.

This seems not to be a wheel bearing or suspension issue(checked all linkage, alignment, tire balance). I have visually checked the engine and transmission mounts and they appear to be okay.

The frequency of the vibration seems to bears little relationship to tire rotation or engine RPM. I've run it through all gears. Shifting is smooth. Frequency seems very constant without regard to wheel speed or engine rpm.

The vibration(approx 5.6Hz) is felt through the vehicle chassis, not via vibrating steering wheel. Feels possibly stronger in passenger seat than driver's seat but(butt) only by a small percentage. Seems to come low from center to center-right of engine compartment. Drive train area.

For perspective:
The initial rumble has now become an oscillating vibration and is no longer subtle. If this vibration were due to a bad ball joint, it would be a very bad, dangerous situation. The car shudders. The car tracks straight when accelerating and decelerating.

Car shows no diagnostic codes.

Thank you. Bryan

Post by **JRL** » 06 Mar 2014, 12:14

Well, check one thing.
Check the lower engine mount (right side of car, behind the RF wheel)
If it's completely collapsed the engine can be actually resting on the subframe and can make some nasty rumblings!

If you know your car (these cars) well, sometimes you can tell just by looking at the engine and if it's tilting to the right side.

Post by **precopster** » 06 Mar 2014, 13:15

I think JRL meant left side if you're facing the car. Right side OF the car.

Post by **kahl** » 24 Aug 2016, 15:32

If your front suspension is still tight meaning that ball joint, control arm bushings and tie rod I would suspect that axles need to be examined. Nephews V70 XC had the same symptoms. Changed out axles and problem went away.