Ear...earrrr...earrrrrr!.... Earrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
 

That is the sound I get when I turn on the AC. It cools and seems to work just does a lit of loud complaining! Any clues? Thanks!

No, it's gearing. Do you have a 5sp tranny?

It's a 4 speed auto. Only happens with cooling on so if its gearing it's related to the ac components...a bearing?

Yes, its noisy but has been kicking ass for 14 yrs...no probs. Haven't replaced clutch/tranny in 65K miles, bought it at 95K, now 157K, noise and all. This thing just wont quit! I want to keep it but know its old. Should I replace stuff does not indicating replacement?.....have shredded CV boots leaking grease, especially at drive axle. Gonna need to depend on this thing for a long time. Should I repair or buy another used Volvo?

It was a bad AC compressor. Replaced and sounds/cools great!