Hello all,

A few months ago I purchased my first Volvo (2005 S40 T5 AWD) with 57,000 miles. After purchasing the race car, I started to notice knocking when applying the breaks. Both front wheels would "shake" or "shift" about a 1/2 inch when applying the break after shifting from reverse to first or vise versa. I believe the culprit are worn lower control arm bushings...? Has anyone else had this problem? Everything else seems to be in working order.

Also, my main concern...

Yesterday I got under the car to change the oil. I noticed some fresh oil coating (what I will call the front differential) behind my oil pan. I took a few pictures to show everyone what I am referring to... It was leaking an excessive amount so I am pretty concerned. I am almost certain what you see covered in oil in the photo is whats leaking the oil. I am very familiar with 4x4 but the world of AWD is brand new. If anyone could advise on the issue I would be very grateful. Also, if anyone is in CO I will supply the 6er.

Here are my Kodak moments:
(You can see the golden oil behind the oil pan)
[IMG]<a href="http://s1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/?action=view&amp;current=Image1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/Image1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

(alternate angle)
[IMG]<a href="http://s1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/?action=view&amp;current=Image2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/Image2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>[/IMG]

(Amount of oil on plastic skid)<a href="http://s1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/?action=view&amp;current=Image5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff393/gotsnowboard01/Image5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Thanks for reading my rant. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

- Colin

 

I am not sure if anyone will be able to see the images I tried to post. Let me know if they are not working - Thanks

 

Shaking while braking sounds like warped rotors. 57k miles is not enough miles IMHO to wear out lower control arm bushings. My 2005 has near 90k and does not shake.

I believe your Haldex unit or associated plumbing may be the source of your leak. Google Haldex for tons of info.

 

Hudini,

Thanks for the reply. I will refer the the issue w/ my front wheels as more of a "shift." The shift occurs when I tap the break pedal. You can see the entire wheel move a 1/2 forward if I am driving in reverse, or a 1/2 backward if I am driving forward. Its not a vibration that occurs at high speeds. Also, if I have to slam on my breaks in any situation, traveling slowly or quickly, the noise is so loud that it sounds like I drove over a speed bump going 70mph.

I think you are spot on with the Haldex unit. Thanks for some direction!