2001 s60 t5 150k miles
auto tranny


Hey guys, here's my problem. When step on the gas pedal at around 45 mph and above my car starts to vibrate really hard. Hard that it feels like I'm running on a railroad track, very harsh vibrations. Got my upper engine stabilizer mounts replaced and transmission mount as well and balanced wheels and also new tires. none have cured the issue. Where should i be looking at next? Problem is getting worse each day, this vibration issue started when i step on pedal at 65 now its down to 45. Something really wrong...

Thank you in advance.

 

i am thinking torque converter but I will let Tech through his 2 cents in....

 

This is a long shot....but my daughter had my S-40 in Arkansas and it also had a harsh vibration. It turned out to be a broken axle shaft.

 

Why not just bring it in to the shop and have them tell you exactly what is wrong instead of chasing the problem? Seems like you've spent a bunch of money on some things that have may not have been needed.

That said, what about the drive shaft being out of balance or the rubber donut connecting the drive shaft to the differential may have split and needs replacing (does the Volvo even use one?) These would certainly cause the car to shake/vibrate.

Do you feel the vibration in the seat of your pants or the steering wheel?

Does the car idle fine? Is the engine smooth or rough while idling?

 

Does it only vibrate under acceleration?
If so then the axle might be bad. The inner joints commonly go bad.

 

Well it vibrates on idle but its probably due to the new upper engine stabilizer mount. This harsh vibrations only happens during acceleration on high speeds (steering wheel, dashboard etc.). Will definitely look at the axle tomorrow.

Thank you guys for helping out. Had to get this fixed before xmas as i don't think this car will survive on the freeway on a 2 hour drive.

 

Also does the check engine light flash when it happens?

 

Sorry for the late reply tech. For some reason i think there's something wrong with my forum account. Been trying to log in since the 22nd and it just wont let me.. anybody had troubles as well? Hella happy to be back though.

Well anyway back to the topic. No check engine light at all..

 

Did you check the axle yet?

 

haven't got a chance to look at it thoroughly... was looking for leaks on the cv's but found nothing... any other way besides running the car on a lift to check axle/cvs? my tech will be working on my leaking cam seals and changing belt etc.. so i might as well just have him look at it as well and maybe do the axle myself if it turns out that it really is the axle. looks pretty easy on the vadis instructions. watcha think? how hard you think it'll be though?

thanks

 

There will be play in the inner joint if it is bad. Easiest way to test it is to grab the inner joint at the tranny and the shaft. Turn you hands like you are giving it an indian burn. If there is play then most likely the vibration is from that.

 

Sorry to bring this topic back up but i just wanna take the opportunity to thank everyone and specially tech! Tech you were right it was the axles! replaced both shafts and all the friggin vibration is 100% gone! I know it took me awhile to post back since i had to work on the timing belt first however this felt more rewarding lol. again thank you yall!

 

Glad all is well now!

 

oh man i think i messed up on something. i took it to the freeway today and when i brake a little at around 60 mph or above steering wheel starts to shake. Just when i hit the brakes though and only happens on high speed. warped rotors? did have this problem prior to installing. what do you think?

 

Yes sounds like warped rotors.

 

i also notice that one of my rotors didn't have that locating pin on it. Anybody know where i can get a locating pin? thanks

 

You can also use a short bolt.

 

I had a very similar issue with my S60. At high speeds the car would start to slightly vibrate. It got worse when accelerating and turning at the same time. I replaced the CV joint and the problem went away. Note: If you're changing one CV joint then you should do both. The cost is not much different and once one goes bad the other is sure to follow.

 

Had same problem in my 2002 S60 AWD, had wheels aligned and balanced at a tire place and problem did not go away. I took to dealer yesterday and was told right front axle was bent cost $600 to replace, OUCH! I have only driven it a short way on the highway upto about 75MPH and the shaking is definitely gone.