I am a new volvo owner, recently bought a 2006 S40 T5 and absolutely love it. I have just started to hear a rattling noise coming from the front right when I go over even small bumps though. The rattling does stop when I press the brakes. Any ideas what it could it be?

 

Welcome to the Forum.

I've yet to hear anyone post a known problem with 2004.5 and up models. Have you taken the wheel off to see if anything is loose behind it?

 

It could be a bad wheel bearing, a worn or loose tie rod, or the strut mount. If you check those things, that could give you a pretty good place to start.

 

Do you know if those are expensive to have looked at?

 

Jack the wheel up (secure with jack stands) and try to make the wheel move by grabbing at 3 & 9 o'clock then 12 & 6 o'clock. There should be no discernible movement.

The earlier models had issues with the strut mounts wearing out and causing a sharp knocking noise over bumps. Sounded like it was coming from behind the glove box.

There was another issue in the early models of the anti-sway bar mount breaking and causing a thumping noise down low. It felt like it was under my feet (it actually was too).

Is your steering loose? Does the car stop ok?

 

Had this same thing happening in the last few days. It's the beginning stages of the lower ball joint going out, in mine anyway.

 

Ok, in that case you should be able to move the tire at the 12 & 6 o'clock. Yes?