I have a 2003 XC70, 30K miles, tires have been rotated and have even wear.
Car is vibration free up to 78 to 80mph. It then (sometimes) has a front end vibration one can feel and see in the steering wheel(feels like a normal wheel unbalance). The vibration occurs about 30% of the time when approaching 80, other times it is absolutly smooth at that speed. It is not road surface dependent. Once the vibration begins, going slightly faster does not change the condition. The problem comes and goes on a long trip. I will have the balance of the front wheels checked, but it doesn't make sense that an unbalance condition would come and go. Can the all wheel drive system create this condition??? I do plan to talk to the dealership mechanic, but would like any feed back or 1st hand knowledge other xc owners might have.

And I thought those newer models were better than the 1998. I would have said that one of your shocks died, but you probably don't live in Manhattan. It's not your wheels, unless they are after market. I would suspect a worn/compressed bushing.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

The rims are stock. I think you are on the right path, thx. Art

You might want to search the archives. When the XC70 was first introduced in 1997/1998 there were a lot of problems with driveshafts balance and vibration. I think Volvo even had different weights of bolts available to correct the problems. I don't have an XC, so no direct experience, just my often faulty memory.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 166k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

Thanks for the help.....