Vibration during cruise control use?

[winsotaxc]

On a 100 mile trip in sub zero F weather today there were 3 times when the car developed a very unpleasant vibration. Something along the lines of washboard roads although not quite that harsh. Each time this happened disengaging the cruise stopped it. Any ideas what could be going on?

Thanks,

Wade

[Volvoholic]

Did you get back on the gas after you disengaged the cruise control? Was the car under harder acceleration when the vibrations were happening?

Mine has a steering vibration when it accelerates from constant cruise at higher speeds. Say, 65-80 just for example, the steering wheel will vibrate but it will cease vibrating when I stop accelerating. I know my car is fine, seems to just be a characteristic of my vehicle.

[billr99]

On a 100 mile trip in sub zero F weather today there were 3 times when the car developed a very unpleasant vibration. Something along the lines of washboard roads although not quite that harsh. Each time this happened disengaging the cruise stopped it. Any ideas what could be going on?

Thanks,

Wade

Just as a wild stab because it happens to me occasionally this time of year. Check your wheels for a buildup of ice or mud on the inside of your wheels. I think it is coincidental that your vibration occurred with the cruise. I suspect that the vibration occurred at the speed you had your cruise set at and if you had been able to apply throttle with your foot at precisely the same speed it would have also vibrated at that point. For some reason, Volvo's wheels seem more prone to accumulated crud on the inside of the wheel than other makes. This buildup, in turn, throw off the balance. At least once or twice every winter I have to pull my wheels and get the mud that has accumulated there flushed off. It won't come off with a washing and in fact sometimes its worse after a good water spray. The more road slop we have the worse it gets and every time it happens it is a buildup of mud and/or ice.

Anyway, my two cents worth.

Cheers,

Bill

[hoonk]

Mine has a steering vibration when it accelerates from constant cruise at higher speeds. Say, 65-80 just for example, the steering wheel will vibrate but it will cease vibrating when I stop accelerating.

Steering wheel vibration when accelerating but not when coasting at the same speed is a classic symptom of a worn cv joint - or a poor quality aftermarket part. (there's a reason those aftermarket axles are so cheap)

[Volvoholic]

Steering wheel vibration when accelerating but not when coasting at the same speed is a classic symptom of a worn cv joint - or a poor quality aftermarket part. (there's a reason those aftermarket axles are so cheap)

It would be except mine are good and original so that's the end of that.

[winsotaxc]

Well it took about a month to fully play out but I wanted to follow up FWIW. I was frankly shocked that something as mechanical as a CV joint could manifest intermittently at first. It actually has been going on for a couple of months but I was pretty much in denial;-) The cruise control issue only happened a few times. Then, it became simply more obvious with the cruise control because I would let off when it started and could gently ease back into it. There were some times where it didn't happen at all. Then, it started getting worse.

Despite the other posts in this thread it was not going through the steering wheel. (Likely an inner CV from what I have since gathered.) It got very consistent in that over 50 mph under load it would shake. Was still intermittent in that sometimes the shake was worse than others. Took it to one of the best Volvo mechanics anywhere and he said it was definitely an axle shaft after just a quick test drive. He said that as long as I baby'd it there was no hurry but it would get worse and eventually have to be dealt with. He got about $500 a side to do it. Told me to avoid cheap aftermarket and said I would be better off going to a junk yard. We both have known a Volvo specialist junk yard that we have used for over 20 years so I gave Kevin a call and he had some clean ones for $50 a side so I just did that.

Finally it warmed up enough to fire up my Kerosene heater and I just changed both axle shafts as I wasn't sure from feeling them. Neither one felt obviously shot. I think the right was a little more worn. In any case the vibration is now gone! Can't believe I just put junk yard axle shafts on but it was easy enough that I'm fine with it. Hopefully when one of these goes it will be in the summer so I can use my motorcycle to take them to be rebuilt by a reputable shop.

Wade