Hi,

I have a 1993 850 sedan -plain vanilla. I think I have a problem w/ the PS rear wheel bearing but I.m not sure. I've had many RWD volvo but this is my first 850, I suspect but I'm not sure it's the wheel bearing so I'll provide my symptoms and diagnostics and see what the group thinks.

I hear a harmonic "singing" sometimes. It's not your usual grinding noise at all like I expect to hear from a wheel bearing. Sounds like I'm in some Greek tragedy and the "sirens" are calling me to the reefs. Really it's eerie. WHo-o-o-o. about an octave above middle C. Sounds wavers in intensity in response to turns but never gets LOUD.

1.)The sound seems to be coming from the PS rear. (Open window test)
2.)I hear it when turning to the left, eiher slightly or more. (I was taught that hearing a bearing noise while turning left indicates the right wheel and vice versa - more pressure on the outside wheel bearing)

1 & 2 would indicate the PS wheel bearing but the damn harmonics are weird. Is this normal or is my car haunted? I'm not familiar w/ the rear suspension but research indicates there are a lot or things going on that may cause noise also.

FCP has hub assemblies for approx $125. It doesn't seem too difficult a task to replace but I'm not sure that's the problem

any advice...suggestions...diagnostics?

paulfr

 

Hi,

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it helpful & enjoyable.

Sorry about the ghost coming after your rear brakes.

I have not seen any report on the rear wheel hub bearing unit going bad on this forum, so I am assuming the ghost is either coming from the rear brakes or tyre/wheel assembly or some loose suspension components.

I would check the rear brakes to see if the pad shims are of improved "half-size" version. If not, you may want to replace the shims and apply some silicone or molybdenum-based grease on all metal-to-metal contact points, EXCEPT the friction surfaces.

Now that the top-dog of the forum, Moderator Tech is back, see if you can wait till Tech replies.

If nothing else works, visit a local church and ask for some spiritual assistance for your car[8D].

Good luck,


JPN

 

I would inspect the tire really good.

Look at the tread. Feel it with your hand and see if it feels like rubbing a feather the wrong way.

A feathered tire will create the same noise as a bearing.

 

+1 on the tire. I have the same noise in my other car and it is the tire.