Car developed a light rubbing sound in the front end that is related to wheel rotational speed. It is most evident between 20-45 MPH. Above that engine noise masks it. Dealer did an 80K checkup and spent two weeks trying to track the noise down. Didn't charge me fortunately because they couldn't isolate the noise. They checked and rotated tires, checked calipers and rotors, suspension, exchanged left and right axles with new ones, disconnected the rear drive shaft, mounted remote microphones and had no success in isolating the noise. There is no vibration or braking issues. Just completed an 800 mile trip. Car performed well but the light rubbing sound still there. Everyone is baffled. Any ideas????

 

Did you ever find out what it was? I have the same issue and my car repair shop couldn't find it (they recommended I go to a Volvo dealer). Weird problem

 

Dealer had car for two weeks and couldn't find the problem,
They:
-rotated tires
-checked brake rotors and pads
-disconnected rear drive shaft
-changed out both front axles
-hooked up sound sensors
-and some other stuff
Considering all the time they out into it I was only charged $200 and had a expensive loaner.
Found an comment on the forum that found a brake rain/dust shield rubbing. Haven't brought it back to the dealer yet to try that.
Everyone at the dealer was very frustrated -like me.

 

Dust shield rubbing sounds like death and it more of a high pitched squeal (if hitting the rotor). Did they try checking your cars alignment? Does the sound change when turning (wheel hubs) ? Re-balance the tires?

 

No a low frequency rubbing sound. Sometimes feels more evident when steering left on a long gradual turn. Wheel balance checked/rotated wheels from back to front (no change). No evidence of misalignment -stops straight as arrow/no tire wear. Triers and alignment about 1 year old. Wheel hubs also checked. Like I said after two weeks they were totally frustrated. I mentioned possibility of transmission bearings but sound sensors didn't pick up anything.

 

Thanks andyku. My dealer adjusted the dust shield, inflated and rotated my tires. When I went back, it seemed like it was fixed. However the noise came back again. At this point, I am going to drive mine until something breaks because two shops can't figure it out.

 

I have the same EXACT problem

This is hilarious. We have the same car with the same issue. I am wondering maybe its the tires?

 

Tires were rotated and balanced with no change. Dealer had the car two weeks and tried all kinds of things but couldn't isolate the source. Reluctant to try another dealer who will charge more. Put about another thousand miles on the car with no change I can tell. Once over 40 MPH can't hear it. Car runs fine, steers straight and stops straight, no vibrations. Mystery

 

Yup My dealer has done that as well. Unfortunately, it didn't make that noise when we test drove. The mechanic kept on saying the tire wasn't inflated to the correct pressure. Anyways, your problem is exactly like mine. My Volvo has 76K miles on it. I am going to drive it until something major happens then I will find out exactly what it was. If I find anything, I will post it for your reference. Thanks.

 

Interesting - same mileage! Thanks. Good luck.

 

same year as well