Car shakes & pulls hard right above 55mph

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teambeechstreet

teambeechstreet

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May 25, 2005
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NorCal
I picked up a 99 AWD Volvo wagon recently and got it back to running condition. The car shakes and pulls hard right when traveling above 55mph and gets worse as the speed increases. I had an alignment done and wheels balanced, but the problem was the same. Had the alignment and wheels balanced again, problem stayed. I borrowed a set of Volvo wheels w/ tires from a friend and the problem is still there. My buddy is ASE certified in suspension and brakes, so I had him do a full inspection of the undercarriage/suspension. He said everything checked out fine. Anybody know what else would cause this?

Thanks
 
You have the tires and wheels covered.
I suspect something like sticking caliper pins, piston or a weak rubber brake hose.
Check the rotor temps with an IR thermometer right after a 55 mph run, the hotter one is the problem area.
 
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The fact that it sat for a while is a clue. Wheel cylinders and the pins will rust. If it is the cylinder you will have to replace it. It is unsafe, the tires will wear bad and it should not pass inspection as it is now.
 
What if you zapped the tires with an IR gun after a drive? Odd man out, if there is one, will be hotter.

Are all your tires the same brand, sequential DOT serial number codes, date codes, and tread depth? That'll mess up an AWD system. Can you improve or worsen it with any center diff locks or modes if you have them? Do you have any locking/limited slip differentials in the axles?
 
I would check brake temp. There is no 'slip' light or anything on on the dashboard, right? I wonder if the AWD system changes modes at 55ish and something is binding? Or if there is a bad drive shaft or bearing on the right side? I would expect a lot of heat somewhere if there is enough drag to pull hard.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I will check the brakes again, lube the sliders, etc. I have my fingers crossed it is not a bad wheel bearing. Recently did one on a Rav4 and it was a pain in the butt!
 
Had all of the brakes checked. Pistons passed, pins/sliders lubed, rotors are beat up but within specification. I took it on the highway for a couple minutes. After exiting at a gas station I used an IR temp gun to check the rotors. The rears average about 250 degrees F, the passenger front was at about 320, and the driver front was at about 340. All of the tires are the same brand, size, and same tread depth. PSI is spot on.

This is driving me nuts! I don't know much about the AWD system so I don't even know where to begin diagnosing that!
 
Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
I picked up a 99 AWD Volvo wagon


After you have checked the brakes and tires and they seem fine, I am suspecting the AWD system. I am not sure of the configuration on the Volvo, but check the torque split system and electronics. If the electronics are playing up, and affects the torque split above a certain split, it can certainly present the symptoms you described.
 
Originally Posted By: chrome
Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
I picked up a 99 AWD Volvo wagon


After you have checked the brakes and tires and they seem fine, I am suspecting the AWD system. I am not sure of the configuration on the Volvo, but check the torque split system and electronics. If the electronics are playing up, and affects the torque split above a certain split, it can certainly present the symptoms you described.


Ahh, the ringer! An AWD system! Sure could be the problem.
But wouldn't you suspect a dealer would know a bit about this?
 
Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
Had all of the brakes checked. Pistons passed, pins/sliders lubed, rotors are beat up but within specification. I took it on the highway for a couple minutes. After exiting at a gas station I used an IR temp gun to check the rotors. The rears average about 250 degrees F, the passenger front was at about 320, and the driver front was at about 340. All of the tires are the same brand, size, and same tread depth. PSI is spot on.

This is driving me nuts! I don't know much about the AWD system so I don't even know where to begin diagnosing that!


Those front numbers seem pretty high to me... were you on the brakes pretty good before checking them?
 
agree those rotor temps are way high. when you jack the car, do the wheels turn freely?

ALSO possibility that the front-rear driveshaft is out of balance.

M
 
Originally Posted By: teambeechstreet
I'm pretty sure its a wheel bearing. I just gotta find some time to do it. I appreciate everyone's help.


Was it the driver front wheel bearing or at which wheel?
 
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