V70: Wheels/Brakes Front Axle Jumping

[MHarriss]

Occasionally, when ascending a steep hill, the front wheels start 'hopping' causing serious vibration. Easing off the power stops it at once. The effect is more marked when towing a caravan.

My garage checked the front suspension but found nothing wrong.

Somebody has suggested engine mounts in need of work. Could this be the cause, and is replacing them a big job?

Martin
V70 auto D5 2.4, 2006

[Kev0607]

Vibration could be engine mounts or your cv axles.

As for the wheel hop, does this happen when you aren’t towing a caravan? It sounds like worn control arm bushings to me.

Engine mounts aren’t hard to replace. You need a jack or ramps to get the car in the air, jack stands (if not using ramps), a decent socket set & something to support your engine (another jack). If you’re confident with DIY, its possible.

However, if in doubt, I wouldn’t suggest attempting it because you need to know what you’re doing at the same time. Engine mounts aren’t like doing an oil change… there’s a bit more involved.

[Bonefishblues]

My S60 also suffers from axle tramp if I break traction with sufficient force. So I don't

By that I mean it may just be a thing, and not a sign of any wear on a particular component.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

My S60 also suffers from axle tramp if I break traction with sufficient force. So I don't

By that I mean it may just be a thing, and not a sign of any wear on a particular component.

Good point.

The original poster could just be losing traction. That doesn’t explain the vibration though.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Good point.

The original poster could just be losing traction. That doesn’t explain the vibration though.

It's accompanied by all sorts of awful noises even when the suspension is tip-top IME - truly sounds as if something has broken (and I've done driveshafts, so know the feeling! )

[MHarriss]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Vibration could be engine mounts or your cv axles.

As for the wheel hop, does this happen when you aren’t towing a caravan? It sounds like worn control arm bushings to me.

It happens only occasionally when not towing, usually on a hill with bumps when I am having to use power.

[Bonefishblues]

I wouldn't worry as long as your suspension has been checked, for the reasons I outlined.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by MHarriss

It happens only occasionally when not towing, usually on a hill with bumps when I am having to use power.

As the above poster said, it could just be a simple case of losing traction.

You could get a second opinion on it by going to another garage to check your suspension, but that’s only if its really concerning you.

[Simmy]

worn or failed shocks can cause wheel hop when breaking traction. are your shocks original ones or have more than 100k on them ? volvo cars are so heavy that it is difficult to tell if the damping has failed . when i changed mine on the v70 the rebound
damping was completely gone but the drive was not to bad consideing how bad the shocks were new shocks transformed the car.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Simmy

worn or failed shocks can cause wheel hop when breaking traction. are your shocks original ones or have more than 100k on them ? volvo cars are so heavy that it is difficult to tell if the damping has failed . when i changed mine on the v70 the rebound
damping was completely gone but the drive was not to bad consideing how bad the shocks were new shocks transformed the car.

Of all the components that's the most likely culprit, but I have been able to provoke it at will with suspension that's in perfect nick (and alignment too).