severe vibration in engine or front end between 50 and 60 mp

philski3 · Post by **philski3** » 26 Jul 2003, 22:08

I just bought a240 dl wagon and so far sorry I did. Had front end checked by volvo mechanic said front end was tight balanced the tires. He replaced a rumble bearing where the driveshaft splits which did no good except put me out 210 dollars. The car is almost undriveable between 50 and 60 mph the vibration is so severe. Could it be motor mounts they look fine. Tire wear is normal even put new tires on. I even put the car in neutral when vibrating to see if it stopped it doesnt-ruling out transmission problem. pls help I need to sleep at night!

arete · Post by **arete** » 27 Jul 2003, 11:07

check your pulleys to make sure thay are installed correctly. Rev it up in neutral and see if they start to wobble/vibrate.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 27 Jul 2003, 11:47

Your problem apprears to be in the driveline. By placing the car in "N" and coasting you have eliminated the engine, if it were in the engine the vibration would have changed or stopped. I cannot understand why the mechanic did not look further for the problem, a vibration like you describe is usually not difficult to locate when the car is in a shop ... much more difficult over the internet.

Now onto your problem... Does the vibration shake the steering wheel or the entire car? If the steering wheel shakes it is tire balance, tire out of round, a bent rim, or a slipped belt in the tire, but you indicate that you have already tried different tires so this is probably not the problem.

The problem could still be in the driveshaft, did the mechanic carefully inspect the universal joints when he replaced the center support bearing? a loose or worn u-joint will cause a vibration. Other areas to look are a bent axle, worn axle bearings, bent rear rim, worn rear suspension bushings that will cause a missalignment in the driveshaft angle.

philski3 · Post by **philski3** » 27 Jul 2003, 16:13

The vibration is not in the steering wheel You can almost feel it on the gas pedal. appears to be in engine/transmission area. thanks for the reply

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 27 Jul 2003, 17:09

As I mentioned above (forgot to sign on) if the vibration does not change by placing the trany in "N" and letting the engine idle the problem is not in the engine. It has to be in the output side of the trany and back, I would still suggest the driveshaft as the most common (U-joints, bent, out of balance) followed by rear axle / rims. The first thing I would do is to remove the driveshaft and check all the u-joints for being too tight or wear, replace any suspect u-joints. If that does not seem to be the problem you can jack up the back of the car and support the rear axle on axle stands, start the car, place in drive and let the wheels slowly turn, visually look at the rims, drive shaft, etc. Slowly increase speed, but please ensure the car is solid on the axle stands, do not get under the car but see if you observe anything abnormal.

philski3 · Post by **philski3** » 27 Jul 2003, 19:07

one thing I forgot to say is the driveshaft does make noise it sounds like something is clanking under there when you accelerate. I couldnt pinpoint the noise. I had already put the rear wheels up heard the noise but couldnt pinpoint where it is from. Is it a major job to take the driveshaft off? thanks again