7 replies to this topic

[crimsonghost]

Morning folks. Ive got a bit of a vibration problem with my S60. im trying to figure out. I just got this car about three weeks ago. It has a pretty noticable vibration when im on the highway and accelerate. For example, I could be on the interstate crusing at 60 and its smooth as butter, no vibration. Then if I accelerate to 70 or more, it shakes like a son of a gun until i get up the speed i want, then it smoothes out again. It only vibrates while im accelerating. It has the 235/45/17 tires, theyre Sumitomo HTRZ that are still in really good shape. I had them balanced, and they all balanced out perfectly, the wheels looked to spin true as well.

Ive been told that it could be a bad axle, but ive never had a bad axle cause anything like this. Someone said to get an infrared thermometer, go for a long test drive to get everything up to temp, then measure the heat in both joints on both axles. If one is significantly hotter than the other it could be bad, I just dont see how it could ride so smooth while crusing, then vibrate so bad when accelerating.

Anyone have any experience with anything like this? Oh and i checked out all the mounts, they all look ok. The front lower mount is still good, doesnt look like its collapsed or anything.

Thanks folks.

[Ihatespeedbumps]

FWD or AWD?

Very likely you have a bad inboard CV joint. They typically reveal themselves while accelerating in a straight line

You can grab the axles and push them up and down to check for excessive play. Of course if you see any split boots this would be a red flag as well.

[crimsonghost]

FWD or AWD?

Very likely you have a bad inboard CV joint. They typically reveal themselves while accelerating in a straight line

You can grab the axles and push them up and down to check for excessive play. Of course if you see any split boots this would be a red flag as well.

Thanks speedbumps!

Im going to try the infrared thermometer test in conjuction with your suggestion this weekend. I hope this is it. And yes, the vibration is only persent when accelerating in a straight line. When I reach my cruising speed and back off the gas it smooths out completely. Ill let you know how it turns out.

[ilovespeedbumps]

If the axle has enough play in it for you to be able to grab ahold of it and move it an excessive amount its gonna make noise.especially when turning, popping noises and clicking noises etc.. it wont just be a vibration on accel.

[crimsonghost]

If the axle has enough play in it for you to be able to grab ahold of it and move it an excessive amount its gonna make noise.especially when turning, popping noises and clicking noises etc.. it wont just be a vibration on accel.

I came home after a little drive on Saturday morning and measured the CV joint temps with a harbor freight infrared thermomemter. Both of the inner joints were approx 135 degrees, and both outers were approx 105. However, there was quite a bit of play in both inner joints, more so on the passenger side. From under the car, I was able to grab the axle and feel a bit of play and loosemess in the inner joints. Im just going to go ahead and replace them both, I mean the tires are good, the suspension is tight, and its recently been aligned. I also cant find anything wrong with any of the motor mounts.

What type of axles do you recommend? I had mixed experiences with the EMPI axles on my 1998 S70. I had pooping noises with them after approx 5K miles. Im thinking about giving Raxles a try, ive only ever heard good things about them. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[Ihatespeedbumps]

I've had good luck with EMPI axles, and about 85% success with FEQ. No experience with Raxles.

[crimsonghost]

I've had good luck with EMPI axles, and about 85% success with FEQ. No experience with Raxles.

I may just give EMPI another try. I was thinking about DSS, I called them and was given the number to a distributor in Dallas. Except when I called the distributor I was told they no longer stocked DSS??? What kind of life are your getting out of the EMPI's on your T5?

[Ihatespeedbumps]

I may just give EMPI another try. I was thinking about DSS, I called them and was given the number to a distributor in Dallas. Except when I called the distributor I was told they no longer stocked DSS??? What kind of life are your getting out of the EMPI's on your T5?

Still have the OEM axles in my T5, but I do install EMPI and FEQ axles in my customers cars