So, my service advisor neglected to have his parts dept order a fuel injector for me as I indicated in an earlier post, and I while I continue to wait for it, I thought I would bring a second problem re my Volvo to the board.

On occasion, while driving 55-60 mph, my '98 XC (145,000 miles on it) will produce a kind of bumping or thumping noise which seems to be coming from the rear. Does not seem to come from up front.

I also notice that while vehicle is making these noises, and giving me a bit of a jarring motion, that the motor does not seem to lose any power at all. Seems to run smoothly, just fine.

This does not happen below 50 mph, and it has been hard to replicate. I never know when it is going to happen.

Any ideas? I've been wondering if this is a transmission problem. Auto trans fluid was last changed about 70,000 miles ago.

Thanks.

 

I would say Possibly a Tire issue or suspension issue. Or possible Driveshaft since it is AWD.

 

I would like to try this one again.

I would say the car behavior I get is more like a jerking effect, sometimes more than one in a row. Feels like it is coming from behind or underneath vehicle.

When I take my foot off the accelerator, the jerking movements always stop, but might resume when I give vehicle gas again.

It is not like a bumping or thumping noise that I indicated before.

And, I have watched the tach while driving. When I get the jerking effect, the tach does not bounce (whatever that is worth). Motor cruises along as if nothing is happening.

 

Maybe still the driveshaft or one of the front Axles.

 

Two questions...

I finally was able to have my Volvo dealer check my '98 xc (147,000 miles) re the jerking I was often feeling once I went over 50 mph.

They told me it is a bad torque rod bushing.

Then, they told me that their tool was under the weather and are waiting 'til their new one comes in, so I have to bring my car back when it does come in.

1) They explained it to me, but I need a follow-up. What does a torque rod bushing do and where is it?


And, I have a follow-up concern.

I'm driving home (my dealer is quite a ways away) and going up and down hills with the jerking movements happening every so often when I am over 50 mph. Suddenly, going up a hill, I feel a big loss in power and think for a second that the car is going to stall. The check engine light blinks a few times and then stays on.

I pulled over, turned the motor off, and consulted the owner's manual.

Starting the car back up, the check engine light stayed on all the way home but I had decent power again.

2) Any ideas re the sudden appearance of the check engine light? Vehicle just passed inspection a week ago.

Thanks.

 

You need to have the codes pulled to see what they are for.


The Torgue rod bushing is on the top of the engine to Body. It helps cushin the engine when to step on the gas and let off. That prevents the engine from rocking.

 

As another follow-up, do you mean that these "jerks" I feel at 50 mph and over are coming from the engine compartment, and not from the rear of the car where I thought they were originating from?

 

Possible but hard for me to really say unless I could drive the car.

 

You've been helpful, thanks.

 

Glad I could help.

Where in the North do you live? May have asked before but I forget.

 

Northern New York State.

 

Oh ok I am Flying into Newark Friday Night to drive a Car back here to Fla. this weekend.

 

So today I make my 2 1/2 hour trip to my Volvo dealer to have a torque rod bushing installed.

I give the car to Service and talk to a salesperson about possibly trading mine in for a certified vehicle. I took one out for a test ride while their appraiser looked at mine.

I come back and go into Service where I'm told (as written) "On closer inspection the tech discovered the car needs a propshaft." Cost, about a thousand bucks.

A bit later, the appraiser said they might be able to give me $500-1000 for mine as a trade-in.

I say thanks and bug out.

I'm really thinking of going Japanese now, even though I love the Volvo feel.

(And the written diagnosis today said torque tube bushing, not rod, for what that's worth.)

 

Sell it your self and look for just a Front wheel drive car.