I recently purchaed an '03 s60 2.5 AWD T. It has 44,000 miles and operates great. The other day we had approx. 1-2 inches of snow and the roads were covered with snow and slush. The first time I have operated this car in those conditions. After about 2 miles there was a very high-pitched sound like metal- on -metal coming from the rear. It would subside in lower speeds, but regain pitch at about 30 mph. Now that the roads are clear, the sound has disappeared. Thoughts?

 

I replied to your other post but will put it here then delete the other post in the New Members section.

Did the tires seem to be slipping at all?

I wonder if it was something from the TRACS system working.

 

no. The car was stable...I even tried to engage slippage thinking it had to do with the Traction control. The noise persistedwith the winter mode in the ON and OFFposition. Also, the ties and break pads are new in last 2 k miles.

 

That is very strange.
I haven't seen this problem before. But I also don't really get to work on the AWD cars much as I am in Florida.

 

More snow in SE WI so I took the car out to see if I could replicate the sound. With about 3 inches of snow on the road, the noise came back. I will say that the car was less stable on the road than I previously posted. There was slippage,but not awful. Since thisis my first AWD, I am not surewhat to expect in relatively extreme conditions. Could the TRACTION CONTROL be out/malfunctioning and if so, will this be the cause of this extremely high-pitched sound? It should be noted that the sound goes away when travelling under 20 mph. Any ideas on next steps, expected costs, etc.

 

Not sure hopefully someone with an AWD will chime in.

 

i have read on other forums that the rear drive shaft can rub one of the heat shields in these conditions.. i believe there is a recall for this.. take it to a dealership and ask them about AWD recalls on the heat shield noise.

 

There is no recall it is a TNN, Whe the exhause heats up and then gets a splash of rainwater or snow on the exhaust it causes it to rub the driveshaft causeing a loude squeeling noise, There is a updated exhaust hanger for this, if you look under the car right before the rear wheels you'll see a ring around the driveshaft, thats your noise..

no big deal, just annoying..

i think the exhaust bracket is about 80$