I have a moderate vibration that I think is an issue with one or both drive axles. I have done the alignment, wheels, tires, ball joints, control arm bushings, inner tie rods, upper motor mount & plugs. The shocks are fine (about 40k on all new hardware and koni FSDs). The transmission mount looks ok ,but I could try that. It is a vibration when accelerating, particularly up hill. It is some what intermitent & ceases immediatly when you take your foot off the gas. The CV boots look good. They axles & boots are originals. I have asked my mechanic to check for play where the axle & trans connect (indian burn test).

Anyone have experience with after market drive axles? They are about $100 each which if you replace both will save you about $400 compared to VOLVO brand. I would also look into rebuilt VOLVO Axles. At $200 plus labor or DIY if I have time, I am thinking it is worth a shot to solve the vibration, but at $600 plus labor I may just wait and see if the problem gets clearer with time.

The car is at 122,000 miles, and otherwise runs fine. All service except PCV has been done. I still have a strong negative pressure at the oil fill so I think a life on synthetic oil may have avoided a plugged up breather box.

 

Solved