I've always had a soft spotfor Volvos for some reason, but never had the chance to have one.My twins recently turned 16 and I thought it would be a good idea to find a decent example for them to share. I found a well used (200K miles) 89' 740 wagon that had reasonable history and service records. I bought it and have been fixing it up as the kids work on accruing time on their permits. So far I've completely serviced the engine, transmission (fluid and filter kit), differential (oil change), given it a tune up with new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter. I've installed a new radiator/hoses and flushed the cooling system. We've also detailed the interior and installed new tires. I have a new timing belt, new shocks/struts andengine accessorybelts yet to do. One thing I have noticed while driving it around here and there is a whining sound. It corresponds with vehicle speed, not engine speed. It sounds like a noisey pump, but I have ruled out the PS pump and the transmission front pump because it is NOT sensitive to engine speed. The only thing I can think of is a driveline issue. Either a rear axle bearing, or maybe something in the output end of the transmission. It runs well, drives well and shifts just fine. Anyone with some experience have an idea?

Thanks!

EDIT: It's a 2.3 SOHC, non-turbo with an automatic/OD.

 

I had a similar problem on my '91 240. It would only do it when it was cold out. What I found it to be was the bearingon the rear part of the front drive shaft. It is mounted in a piece of rubber.

To check it, you need to pull off the driveshaft. Don't forget to mark the front and rear shaft so you can put it together the way it came off as it is balanced.

If you replace the bearing, you might want to replace the rubber piece as well. IPD sells a kit for this.

Good luck

 

Thanks! That could very well be the issue.

 

Did some checking and the parts are readily available, as well as the U-joints, considering I'll be digging into it anyhow. Won't know for sure until I investigate, but the more I reconcile it in my mind, the more plausible the center bearing becomes.

 

I have an 86 240 manual trans andhad wheeze, whine etc, and finally vibration problems with my drivetrain. The center support bearing was changed and vibration greatly reduced except at 40-60 km. New torsion bar bushings andrear ujoint solved the problem.

Anyway, while searching the forum for info I remember finding a great recipe for changing the center support bearing...if it helps, here it is:
Mark the driveshaft, remove the four rear bolts and remove the rear portion of the driveshaft. Remove the front bolts but put two back it to take the weight. Remove the support bearing bracket and then remove the front portion of the driveshaft. Tap off the old bearing with two hammers and tap on the new using a pipe that fits onto the inner bearing race.

Also, there are two different size driveshaft on volvos, depending on year etc, so check size before ordering...i think the sizes are 1 3/8inches and 1 3/4inchesCheers