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Vibration/shake on the highway - is it engine mounts or something else?

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9K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  02IslandStyleS60  
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#1 · (Edited)
Howdy all,

2004 S60 AWD 2.5T with 163k on the clock.

Over the past month the car has developed some substantial vibrations/shaking when driving on the highway. I don't really notice them under 50 mph but become very noticeable in the 65-85mph range.

The vibrations feel like they come through the cabin and chassis itself and also noticeable in the steering wheel. I've had wheels that weren't balanced before but it didn't feel like this. The vibrations can be more or less severe at times...probably due to road conditions? Front struts, ball joints, and control arm bushings were recently replaced so they aren't the issue.

I had a mechanic look at it and they said the mounts looked a bit worn but not broken, but would worn be enough to do it?
Note: I replaced the Upper Engine Stabilizer Mount with the IPD Poly a few weeks ago (Polyurethane Upper Engine Stabilizer Mount for Volvo - IPD - 8649597 - 111086) because the original mount was completely broken in half. But the new Poly mount made matters worse, and the situation has only deteriorated since then.

Thoughts? Is there something I can check myself? Thank you!
 
#2 ·
First thing to make clear is: Are the vibrations dependent of engine load? Meaning are the vibrations the same regardless of acceleration or engine brake at a given speed?

If yes, vibrations are excessive under acceleration: Drive shafts.
If no, same vibrations regardless of acceleration or engine brake: Time to check the tires for damage. Easiest way to move forward is to lift he car up on stands, start the engine and put it in gear and eyeball it, especially on the inside of the wheels/tire walls.
 
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#3 ·
The drive shafts are heavy enough to cause significant vibration if for some reason they fail to flex readily at the inner and outer ends. So, if you were to turn the wheels left or right while exiting the parking lot, and then get up to 50 mph on a straight road, the drive shafts have to flex at the inner/joints, while turning, and then straighten out, while on the straight highway. If they fail to straighten out all the way, then vibrations will be felt.
 
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#4 ·
Same submodel, same issue, I just have 230,000 miles on the clock. My car didn't move for the first 3 months of the pandemic, I just chalked it up to the pads and the rotors rusting together, which I think backed up by shuddering during high speed braking. I'll get around to the brakes eventually.

On a side note, I bought this car with the mileage you have now, and unbelievably, it is still on the same generic front brake pads that the seller installed. They barely wear, and I'm used to doing the fronts around 40,000 miles or so. The tire shop thinks they are made out of uranium lolol, but I'll wind up replacing them with Textar or Pagid when I do the brakes.
 
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#5 ·
Don't think the mounts will cause vibration only at high speed. What you feel is an imbalance. May inspect the AWD driveshaft carrier bearing. Also know that cheaper garages don't correctly balance the wheels. An axle drive shaft will also cause vibrations at speed, did you install these recently ? Also what brand were the control arms, may want to look at the rear vertical bushing with a wheel lifted
 
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#6 ·
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