Hey all,

My 240 has a new symptom, and I'm looking for some help on the cause and the cure.

The steering wheel recently started to shake a little as the speed ramps up. It seems to go away after the transmission smoothly shifts through to higher speeds of 50 or more. Tire wear seems normal, not unbalanced. It's been a year since replacing the changing the plugs, rotor and cap. Although, the timing belt was changed 3 wks ago. Could this be it? Are there any other popular causes for this?

Appreciate the help.

-MMJ

All:

Thanks for the suggestions. The tires were bought at a Costco because not only does the place run a $100 off special every 6 months (member coupon) for a set of 4 Michelins, but also, the deal is far better than anything other than what a relative in the tire biz might get you. The deal includes road hazard warranty (nail pull/flat fix), pro-rated wear, free rebalance every ~10k miles, cheap disposal fee, cheap valve stem fee, etc.

FYI, the rotors on the front were replaced 500 miles ago.

As for the front end suspension, I guess FCP is a good baseline for cost http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo240ftsuspension.htm:
1) tie rods and ball joints
2) bearings

How much labor is involved for a mechanically inclined non-auto mechanic, as well as a fairly proficient/familiar mechanic?

Thanks for the advice.

MMJ

Hi MMJ,

You might have a look at the tie rods and ball joints as well. On my '93 240 I had a similar vibration that turned out to be play in the left tie rod (grab the tire at 9'oclock and 3 o'clock positions and wiggle back and forth to see how much play you have.) I replaced both tie rods and vibration resolved. Do check the tires as previous posters have indicated as well.

Regards,

TomD
'93 240
'86 240

I wouldn't suspect a problem with the engine or tranny if you only notice the shake in the steering wheel. I would first check tire pressure...seems silly but I've been suprised at the difference it can make. Then have a shop rebalance the wheels and check to makesure the tires are not "out of round." Of the last 8 tires I've purchased 3 have been out of round possibly from hitting curbs, overloading or defects (Goodyear replaced mine for free, no questions asked). How old are the tires? I've also had tires that looked perfect but caused horrible front end shaking. I replaced bushings, bearings, struts, engine mounts and cv joints (fwd) with no success until I replaced the tires.

Good luck,
Steve

I had a similar problem @ around 90 km/h (55 mph) in my 84 245 4sp/OD. My front wheel bearings were shot (L>R) and my rotors were warped. I relaced the bearings and rotos and voila no more shake. Total cost about $150 CDN. Pull the rotor and check the bearing race for dicolouration or marking...or just replace them.

1984 Mulvawagon 220k km