Volvo XC70 Vibration While Accelerating – What To Do?

Do you notice shaking on your Volvo XC70, and you want to know what you can do about it? You’ve come to the right place, for we have researched this question, and we have the answer for you.

One of Volvo XC70’s most commonly reported problems is a knocking or squealing noise coming from the bushings of the control arm assembly. This issue can misalign the wheels, which can cause vibration, especially during acceleration. Additionally, these issues can also cause vibration on your Volvo XC70:

  • Axle and/or CV joints
  • Brake caliper
  • Driveshaft (including the U-joint, couplers, and carrier bearings)
  • Engine mounts
  • Lug nuts
  • Spark plugs
  • Tires

We’ll break down each of these possible causes in the succeeding sections, including what you should do to address each of them. Read on!

Volvo XC70 at the AutoRAI 2015, Volvo XC70 Vibration While Accelerating - What To Do?

What are the symptoms of a failing control arm assembly?

Urban crossover Volvo V70XC in the city street

The control arm assembly—or the A-arm—is responsible for linking the steering wheel and the chassis of your Volvo XC70. The A-arm transfers the movement from the steering wheel to the wheels so that they will turn where you want them to turn.

Natural wear and tear will cause the bushings and ball joints to start to fail through regular use of your Volvo XC70.

The earliest sign of a failing control arm assembly is a vibration that you will feel in the steering wheel. This vibration will get worse as you accelerate.

It is dangerous to ignore this issue. Once this issue gets worse, it will become difficult to steer your Volvo XC70, and this makes your car prone to accidents. This can be accompanied by a knocking or clunking sound, signifying that the bushings and the ball joints have become too loose.

Bring your Volvo XC70 to a mechanic as soon as possible to address this issue.

What are the common issues with Volvo’s axles and CV joints?

It is difficult to troubleshoot a problem with the Volvo XC70’s axle and CV joints. Once you start to experience vibration during acceleration—especially when under heavy load—then you need to visually inspect your Volvo’s axle and CV joints.

Check all the rubber CV joint boots for damage, holes, rips, and leaks. This will cause dirt, sand, and debris to enter the CV joint. Dirt, sand, and debris inside the CV joint will lead to failure or worsen a CV joint that is starting to fail.

If you do not have a failure in your CV joints yet, then you need to replace the boot and the grease inside the CV joint.

If you do not see any problems with the rubber boot, you need to physically check the CV joint.

Grip the CV joint on both sides of the rubber boot and shake it. Movement in the joint means you have a failure on your CV joint, and it is what’s causing vibration on your Volvo when you’re accelerating.

A failure on your CV joint can only be fixed by a replacement. Bring your Volvo XC70 to a mechanic to replace your CV joint.

Similarly, if the axle that supports the CV joint is bent or damaged, then it will cause your Volvo XC70 to vibrate. Bring your car to a mechanic to check the axle. Replacement is the only solution for axles with severe damage or bend.

How to troubleshoot a sticking brake caliper on my Volvo?

A brake caliper that is sticking to the brake rotor will cause your Volvo to vibrate while trying to accelerate. This is because the caliper will not allow one of your wheels to accelerate at the same rate as the other three wheels.

Additionally, your car will noticeably veer in one direction, towards the direction of the wheel with the sticking brake caliper. You will also notice a squealing sound coming from one of the wheels at a lower speed.

When taking off the wheel to inspect the calipers, you will also notice that the wheel studs are much hotter than normal.

Wheel studs are normally warm to the touch when you have just driven your car. However, if the brake caliper is sticking to the brake rotor, then the wheel studs will become really hot. This is because the caliper is constantly rubbing against the brake rotor the entire time you’re driving.

If this is the problem with your Volvo XC70, then you will need to replace the brake caliper, the brake pads, and the brake rotor of the problematic wheel and the wheel opposite to it. It is important to always replace brake parts in pairs so that the braking force will be even on opposite tires. Otherwise, it will cause a problem similar to a sticking brake caliper with uneven braking.

What are the signs of a problematic driveshaft on my Volvo?

Black Volvo XC70 car moving on the street

Controlling your Volvo XC70 can become problematic and difficult when you have a bad or failing driveshaft.

The earliest sign that your driveshaft is starting to fail is the extreme vibration that comes from under your vehicle. The components of your driveshaft can cause this vibration.

Worn U-joints, carrier bearing, and couplers can cause the driveshaft to vibrate. It is important to have a mechanic check and fix these components as early as possible because they can easily damage the other components of the drivetrain.

Difficulty Turning

This is a sign that the U-joint is starting to fail, preventing the wheels from turning properly. This makes your XC70 more prone to accidents because it makes it harder to control your Volvo.

The difficulty in controlling your Volvo can be accompanied by metallic clunking noise.

Vibration When Accelerating

When you experience vibration when accelerating from a low speed or stop, the U-joint might be loose, or the carrier bearing is starting to fail.

Squeaking Noise

Squeaking noise when you drive at low speeds is a sign of a U-joint that needs lubrication. Check the U-joint for damage. Applying grease should get rid of the problem if there is no sign of advance wearing on the U-joint.

How long do Volvo motor mounts last?

Motor mounts or engine mounts on your Volvo can last anywhere between 60,000 to 100,000 miles or five to seven years. However, it can fail much earlier if you drive aggressively and if you live in a place with a dry climate. Collisions can cause engine mounts to fail prematurely as well.

It is a good idea to have your engine mounts checked each time you get your engine oil changed.

You will experience vibration and noise on the steering wheel or the driver’s seat when your engine mounts are due for a replacement. Bring your Volvo to a certified mechanic immediately to inspect the engine mounts once you start to experience the symptoms above. Excessive vibration from the engine can damage other components like the transmission.

Why are my lug nuts getting loose?

Loose lug nuts on your Volvo can cause your wheel to come loose and vibrate when you drive. Volvo is known for locking security lug nuts. These lug nuts need a special key to loosen and tighten.

Unfortunately, the Volvo lock security lug nuts can break the key while loosening or tightening the lug nuts. This can make it difficult to tighten the lug nuts.

Additionally, dirt, paint, rust, or scaling can all contribute to a low clamping force of the lug nuts. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque for tightening the lug nuts.

Raise your wheel with a jack and try to shake your wheels with both hands to find out which wheel is loose. Tightening the wheel should take care of the problem.

Alternatively, you can use a product like Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 to keep your lug nuts secure. These bolt lockers prevent lug nuts from loosening under daily use.

Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker Blue 242 is available on Amazon. Check it out through this link.

When to change spark plugs on Volvo XC70?

Volvo XC70’s spark plugs can last up to 35,000 miles to 40,000 miles. Get your spark plugs checked annually to prevent problems while you’re driving.

A failing spark plug will cause your engine to have trouble starting, have a rough idle, and consume more fuel. It can also cause your engine to misfire, surge, and vibrate.

A pack of six pieces of NGK 6619 Iridium Spark Plugs is available on Amazon. Check it out through this link.

Can tire imbalance cause vibration?

White estate car Volvo XC70 at the background of a Christmas tree.

Modern steering wheels that are based on rack and pinion technology are more sensitive to tire imbalance. This can be felt as vibration on the steering wheel.

Tire centers can check your tire for imbalance and install the necessary counterweights to correct the imbalance.

Conclusion

Volvo XC70 at the AutoRAI 2015, Volvo XC70 Vibration While Accelerating - What To Do?

Problems with different parts can cause your Volvo XC70 to vibrate. It is important to address some of these problems as soon as possible because they can lead to a bigger problem that is more expensive to fix.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might find the articles below equally enjoyable to read:

Can You Flat Tow a Volvo XC90?

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