Hi Fellow "Bricksters",

I have a 1987 Volvo Wagon with 208,000 miles, B230F engine and automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, several years ago when I had about 202,000 miles, I was in a minor accident. Prior to the accident, my Volvo ran very well and had no notable problems. After the accident, I had to replace the front drivers-side fender, front bumper, and drivers-side turn signal. I fixed the car body right away, as I couldn't stand to see my Volvo smashed up. However, I did not drive my brick until about 6-months ago ... it just sat in my driveway looking good and waiting for me to take it on the road again!!!

When I did start driving it, I noticed terrible vibrations at speeds above 30 MPH. So, I changed the center bearing ... this helped. I then changed the three universal joints, making sure to reinstall the drive-shaft exactly as I removed it ... this helped the most. I then added gear oil to the rear differential, and this also helped ... the oil was very low ... added about quart!!!.

After all this, it drives fairly smoothly below 55 MPH, but when I drive between 55 MPH and 65 MPH, I hear a loud hollow-sounding groan, which seems to come from the engine compartment. I am nearly stumped as to what could be causing this. The sound only happens between 55 - 65MPH and seems to go away above 65 MPH and below 55MPH. It doesn't matter if I'm in D2 or D3. Also, if I'm going at say 60 MPH, the groan goes away if I put the trans. in neutral. Basically the groan happens at the speeds mentioned above while the engine is under load.

I have taken a close look at the engine compartment and I did notice that the cooling fan is not centered in the fan shroud ... the motor seems to sit about 1/2" - 3/4" too much towards the left (drivers side).

My questions are as follows:

1) Should the cooling fan sit right in the middle of the fan shroud?

2) Could the engine have shifted as a result of the accident without damaging the motor mounts ... they don't seem damaged?

3) Can the motor mounts be adjusted to center the engine or does the engine just bolt to the mounts and become automatically centered?

4) Could a bad transmission mount cause the engine to be cocked?

I assume that if the engine is not properly centered that this can cause the mystery vibration.

I may also repack the front bearings as I hear this can cause vibrations. Also, my trailing arm bushings are probably due for replacement.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

Alex