On my 2007 Volvo S40, I had a loud rubbing sound coming from under the hood which sounded from the passenger side. The sound was loud going straight away down the road – no turns. Really I could go no faster than 40 mph because the sound became so loud I didn't dare. Dave a friend hopped in who was a former Volvo owner hopped in and together we went down the road. About a mile down range Dave swerves violently left to right. When the weight of the car was on the driver’s side the sound would disappear. Dave points. “There it’s your right side wheel bearings. Replace the hub and you’ll be good to go.” He puts his arm on my shoulder smiles and says “Happy to help you old chappy.” So I replace the right wheel hub. No. Same sound. Then while changing the drivers wheel hub I notice black grease in the wheel well and see a cut in the CV joint boot – Transmission side. So I order a front half-axle $85 from O’Riellys and halt my wheel hub replacement until it arrives. With hub and half-axel in my pocket I’m ready to get back to work. So. I grasp and pull on the old half-axel and it comes completely apart on the transmission side leaving the other half of the old half-axel stuck in the transmission. I suppose it would be a quarter-axel now. So I examine my new situation, grab my separator tool and insert it very gently between the transmission and quarter-axel. Tapping very gently the quarter-axel comes out.
After reading another post here about half-axle installation I know that you have to insert the axle in the tranny – remove re-insert until it will seat and go up flush against the transmission. It’s a little frustrating and unnerving but it will go in and finally does. Next the wheel hub and then all back together. Test drives like there was never a problem. Nice.
There are two morals to this story that you should consider. First, if you are troubleshooting an under the hood noise or sound problem using the swerving method. The sound will go away when you shift weight TO THE SIDE WITH THE PROBLEM. Second, as a general rule of working on things, never miss an opportunity point out when your buddy is completely dead *** wrong.

 

Your buddy did the right thing. Generally, when a wheel bearing makes noise, it goes away when the weight is on the opposite side. However, having seen quite a few go bad on the P1 cars, it isn't always the case with those. That's why I drive them on a lift and listen to them each while the wheel is turning. So don't be too hard on your friend.