QuestionQUESTION: I just paid over $800 to have the rear crank seal replaced because of a small
oil leak in my 1988 Volvo 240DL. Also replaced during the job was a motor
mount and transmission mount. Upon getting the car back, I noticed a
vibration which is very noticeable between 35 and 40mph. Almost like a
grinding sound, but not quite. At other speeds there is a very low sound like
that which would come from a base speaker.
We checked the universal joints and they are fine. I friend of mine mentioned
that it may be the flex disk, but I've not heard of such a thing. What do you
think?
ANSWER: Gary,
Hard to say what is at fault without being able to feel the vibration.
Tires out of balance, bent wheel, u joints, center bearing, drive shaft out of balance. Since it occured after the trans was out I would suspect a driveline vibration. Maybe have the shaft balanced.
I do not think your 240 has a flex disc. You can tell if you have all u joints (3).
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: To describe the vibration better, it is like driving the vehicle at 20mph in 3d gear. I have eliminated, tires, wheels, u joints, 2 of them, as possible suspects. IS there a way to check the center bearing? I read something about a crank pulley. Do you know anything about that? Thanks
AnswerGary,
Check the center bearing by removing it and spinning it, smooth turning good, questionable replace it. If the u-joints turn hard in any direction(bind up) then replace them.
You can test the crank pulley by putting a chain wrench on the outer part of the pulley and use a breaker bar on the center bolt. Hold the chain wrench and turn the center bolt if it slips it bad and needs replacement.