New to Volvo, loving my 95 850 GLT wagon. A sharp intermittent clicking (almost a slapping/cracking noise) is coming from under the center console or just in front of it (?). It appears (sometimes) with slight left turns, but not sharp turns..ie not CV?) and then remains even when driving straight. It varies with speed and is present whether or not the clutch is engaged. Could something be loose on the driveshaft? The front end including CV health was recently checked by my mechanic (knows Volvos well), but of course the mysterious noise refused to surface during his examination and he could find no cause. Any ideas?

 

Problem solved.....was some kind of a dust shield bumping against the drive shaft.