2001 V70 2.4T Shudder at 30-42mph

[msyverts]

I bought a 2001 V70 2.4T with 124,000 miles about four weeks ago. After I bought it (but not during the test drive) I started to notice a shudder between 30-42mph. Specifically, on a gentle acceleration in this range, there is a shaking sound and feel, at specific speeds--most noticeable at about 32, 36, and 42 mph roughly. It goes away with a little more or less acceleration, or might on it's own anyway. At it's worst I can feel it in the steering wheel. Seems like a system reaching some sort of resonance. I

I read various forum posts. First got the stop neutral removed at the dealer. Next, changed the upper engine torque mount and the lower transmission torque mount. Both were far looser than the replacements. Replacing those has definately toned down the shudder so it's less physically annoying. Now it's mentally annoying because it makes me worry about the transmission.

From what I can tell from watching the tach while in this speed range I don't think it necessarily happens during or after a shift, at least not all the time, but I'm not certain.

Previous owner said he had changed the ATF but I worry it could have been refilled with Dexron. So today I picked up a case of Toyota T-IV ATF and drained and filled as various posts here describe. Changed just over 3 quarts. Old fluid was dark red/brown (interesting because first time I looked at it on the dipstick a few weeks ago I remember it looking good...but might just be the difference between seeing it on a dipstick and in a pan).

Tomorrow I'll see if there is any difference so far. I am currently planning to do the drain and fill twice more, with about 100 miles in between, or when the fluid looks darker on the dipstick.

So, any other ideas? Should I consider the B4 servo cover upgrade? The Lucas Transmission Fix? The other three engine mounts? Just keep driving and hope it doesn't get worse?

Thanks.

[msyverts]

Update: Maybe it's getting better after the fluid change? The first drive was about the same but maybe slightly more gentle, the second I didn't notice it at all, the third it still shudders some but more mild.

Trying to watch the tach when it happens. The times that I can watch the tach from before it starts until it's over have been between 30-40mph, and the tach stays steady, somewhere between 1500 and 2000 rpm. So doesn't seem to be before or after a shift in those cases. A few times with the shudder at 42 mph I notice the tach seem to go up just when the shudder stops, but those times haven't seen the tach before the shudder.

[precopster]

Driveshafts are the most likely cause of vibration in a driveline. Are they OEM? IF you clean off the area behind the inner CV you should find a large factory barcoded Volvo sticker.

In the absence of this I would try and locate some good used OEM axles.

[msyverts]

Wow, great idea, I hadn't thought of that. I will check.

[msyverts]

Update 2: The axles are both Volvo, with the bar code label, look original (or at least they don't look recently replaced). The bearing on the right side axle seems fine, no play. So not sure what more to do there.

It does seem like the shudder is less frequent and less severe, after the first fluid drain and fill. Just did the second one, with enough new fluid left for one or two more.

One other possibly related symptom is that on two occasions, while stopped at a red light with foot on the brake, it's tried harder to go forward, with the rpm's dropping. Only twice, separated by a few weeks. This (along with the pattern of slowly getting better after the fluid change) has made me wonder if it could be the torque converter doing something strange.

[abscate]

Keep changing that ATF. It takes three drain and fills to get most of the fluid changed.

The 2001 is an orphan transmission, so baby that beast. I think it is also last year for the infamous magneti Marelli Electronic Throttle Body

[msyverts]

Story ended well. After the second drain and fill, the problem was completely gone. Did a third one to be sure. The trans has worked great ever since.

Amazing what the wrong fluid can do. Thanks to all the suggestions, and thanks to those who posted about the drain and fill method and the sensitivity to fluid in other posts.

[SuperHerman]

Put a MagFine filter on it to keep your solenoids from gumming up. The Tranny in the 01 and 02 have a bad reputation, but they are almost identical to the later years save for valve body changes. These changes are minimal, but the new solenoids were redesigned to prevent gumming up. The tiny metal flakes attach themselves to the solenoid valve shafts and build up like plaque over time. The magnetic properties of the solenoids draws them in and like plaque they slowly grow until the valve cannot move freely. Solution is to put a filter in that catches these particles via a magnet in the filter. One other item in this area that you mention, yes check your B4 Servo to see if it has been changed - it may fail if it does not have the new design replacement. Mine made it without problem to 180k without issue and looked good when I replaced it, but when I compared it to the new one and one that I pulled from a failed transmission I can see why and how it fails. It is not a bad job and costs only about $30.00. Do a quick search to see how you can tell whether yours has been updated - the new ones have a different marking than the old. You don't need to do much to check - maybe save it for the next oil change.

[vtl]

Filter is called Magnefine. Also external ATF cooler is not a bad idea at all.

My experience with shudder around 1450 RPM ended up in VVT hub replacement: this is what happens when proper oil change intervals are neglected. I've got my 2002 V70 in 2010, and it was not cared well by previous owners.

[vtl]

The 2001 is an orphan transmission, so baby that beast. I think it is also last year for the infamous magneti Marelli Electronic Throttle Body

Mine still has it (model year 2002, assembled in November 2001). ETM test in VIDA shows no resistor films wear causing problems.