I have just acquired a 99 V40 2.0 auto. I have noticed that there is a clunk when i pull away from lights or accelerate suddenly from walking speed, but which dissapears after about 20 minutes or so. The fact that is dissapears is strange. I have read lots about engine mounts and control arm bushes etc. Has anyone else had a similar problem? I believe I can replicate the clunk if with the engine running and foot on the brake, i move from R into neutral. This clunk happens along with the rocking of the car as the drive is released. I might be wrong but it sounds like the same noise. I am wondering if it is something to do with the drvieshaft?

thanks peeps

 

Engine mounts might be bad.

 

i've just had a look with a helper to observe the engine movement during the shifting. The engine does move quite a bit, but being non-technical on volvo's, i'm not sure if it indicates anything or if the amount of movement is normal. when placed in reverse the engine tilts forwards, then when selecting N it jolts back and maybe this is causing the noise. The noise is much clearer iside the car than outside with the engine noise.

cheers

 

That could very well be the noise you hear.