'93 960 Front End Deep Shudder

Starting off very slow and turning left or right, I experience a deep shudder vibration from the front-end. Difficult to replicate, thus service rep can't identify problem. Brakes (4) are new. Reviewed all 900 forum listings---nothing like this. Any suggestions?

[Peter Milnes]

If this occurs whilst stationary you may be developing drive-belt slip on the power steering pump. If moving this can still cause the vibration, however you seem to be having problems with the top mountings of the suspension or the front coil springs may be moving relative to their seatings on the strut. Also check all front bushings and swivel joints for tightness/corrosion, etc. It is also a possibility that the rack fixing bolts might be getting a little loose, or the cross member attachment bolts may be also working loose.

All the best, Peter

Thanks peter. Given the problem is irratic--no pattern--If I were try to test your suggestions, anything I could do that would exacerbate the problems you mention. tx.
jrb

[Mike Arnold]

I have heard that there is a design "snag" with the 960 power steering that results in a hydraulic shudder when cornering at low speeds. There is a Volvo technical bulletin on it. My dealer told me that there is a modified pipe that corrects this (expensive) but they also suggested changing to another pump oil. My '95 960 is better than it was but I still get a shudder now and again.

Of course, you may have something completely different.

[Peter Milnes]

There is also a design fault with the steering bushes for the steering column (wheel to rack) on the 940s. An unexplained sharp knock or clunk can be felt when turning the steering at fairly low speeds. The cure is a redesigned bearing block at the top of the column, but not a lot of dealers admitted the knowledge of this fault, so there are still a lot of knocking steering gears on 940s. I have not tried to get it sorted but feel that the dealers should obtain a stock of replacement bearings and call in the offending cars to replace the faulty ones FOC. The VINs of the faulty equipment fitted cars are known to the factory.

All the best, Peter

[PEGE63]

Peter,
Re 'knocking' I have this in my 97P 945 and mentioned it to my local mechanic (he's ex.Volvo by the way). He told me re this kit but at £200+ from Volvo (who did not volunteer to give it to me...)I'd rather live with it as its intermittent.

Actually could it be something else ?? It only tend to knock after braking followed by a left turn, have I got something loose in the front suspension I wonder ? Has anyone got any ideas? The Car is due in for annual service within the week so any pointers would be appreciated.

[Richardkimber]

For the last three years my 940 has had this intermittent front end deep shudder when turning left or right at low speeds. The fluid level is ok, as is the belt tension. It does not appear to be getting any worse.
Has any body had any success in curing this with the talked about Volvo pipe mod. ?

Richard K

[Peter Milnes]

Pege, I am about to replace the front suspension and antiroll bar bushings on my 1996 model and will let you know if the knocking is reduced, I will be able to recommend whether it is worth you doing as well after it is done.

All the best, Peter.

[PEGE63]

Peter, thanks for that, I trust that u have seen the other threads in the 940 forum where someone mention froblems with upper suspension working loose, this could be related in my case as my knocking is very intermittent as in that thread. Mine's in for a service in 800 miles, will ask them to check it out, if anything then I post it for sure.