2002 V70 shakes between 40 and 60 MPH

Antecedence · Post by **Antecedence** » 29 Oct 2016, 14:30

My 2002 V70 AWD XC auto trans. turbo, 179,000 miles, shakes profoundly between 40 and 60 mph. The shake is more substantial than is typical of wheels merely being out of balance.
So far I have installed new struts, strut mounts, strut bushings, control arm bushings, ball joints, and new tires, which had no effect on the shaking.
The tie rod ends, and wheel bearings, rotors and brake pads are in good condition (no slack, play, or rubbing), and front wheel alignment measures perfect.
I suspected the CV axles are the source of the shaking, and checked them for play, removed as well as on the car, and found only minimal play at the inner CV joints on both L and R axles . I compared the CV play to new rebuilt CV joints in a shop and the old/existing CVs had less play than the new rebuilt.
The 40 to 60 MPH shake occurs reliably under aggressive acceleration load, as well as when coasting in neutral. Reducing or increasing acceleration and/or reducing or increasing load on the drive train does not affect the shaking.
A question that I would like to post is can the integrity of CV axles be determined conclusively by the amount of slack or play that is evident, and can a CV axle appear sound without excess play, yet have a balance or other malady that could cause a shake even when the car is coasting in neutral?

Post by **oragex** » 29 Oct 2016, 23:04

If coasting still gets the vibration, the only thing that is rotating and has the mass to create strong vibration are the wheels. Is the vibration only felt in the steering wheel, or also in the brake/gas pedals? I'd also check the wheel bearing plate - where the wheel comes in contact - is flat and not deformed.

Post by **jonesg** » 31 Oct 2016, 09:08

I would be tempted to put it up on 4 blocks, thats wooden blocks...not 4 jackstands.... and run it up to the problem speed. Don't get under it though.

Post by **oragex** » 31 Oct 2016, 10:33

jonesg wrote:I would be tempted to put it up on 4 blocks, thats wooden blocks...not 4 jackstands.... and run it up to the problem speed. Don't get under it though.

Not a bad idea, but not sure about doing it at home. A garage thought can put it on the lift and run the engine while safely getting underneath and having a look