In searching through the 'net I came across this forum, and in searching through the forum I found lots of posts about road noise, but nothing that specifically ID's or helps with my issue, so...

We bought a used 2007 V50 T5 wagon a little over a year ago with ~98000 miles. Runs great, but had some wear and tear issues to clean up. Done. The whole time we have had it, the one complaint was how loud the road noise was in the cabin. LOUD! To the point that conversation could be difficult at freeway speeds. We chalked it up to old tires, knowing what we got with the car were getting close to their end of life.

About 2 months ago, replaced all 4 with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+(recommended by the Costco guy - I don't know tires). We had hoped the road noise would diminish, but no joy. As loud as ever.

We have also noticed a little shimmy, on occasion, when we break. Not bad enough to lose control of the vehicle, but certainly noticeable.

So, being the new guy here, please be gentle. Can anybody share some insight/education about the V50 that might help us solve this riddle? I am taking the car in today to our local Scandinavian service guy, for routine service, and going to ask him these same questions. He's independent, and we trust him, but it always helps to have an idea going in.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated..

 

Wheel bearings are common. Front more so than the rear on that car.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am pretty sure that the road noise is coming from the rear, or at least that is what it sounds like. The shimmy, IDK, it only happens when braking and you really feel it on the steering wheel, so I am guessing the front.

Wednesday, I am hoping the money I am spending for the Scandinavian guy (a Swede named Gert. He specializes in Volvo and Saab, but also works on BMW, MZB's, etc.) to figure it out is money well spent...

 

The vibration is likely warped front brake rotors.
It could certainly be a bad rear wheel bearing. I've seen a few go bad. Just many more front. Does it change when turning the steering wheel slightly?

 

There is a "pitch" change when we turn, and maybe a bit of a sharper shimmy if we are braking at the same time, but nothing drastic.

 

Shouldn't be a problem for any decent mechanic to figure out. I would expect at least one wheel bearing and front brakes.

 

Thanks - I'll try to get back here after Wednesday and update. At least I have an idea what to expect now. Appreciate it...

 

Well, after a couple of test drives and all day at the shop, the drivers side rear wheel bearings are shot, causing all the road noise. The front disks are warped causing the shimmy.

Going to cost a bit to fix, but at least we know. Thanks for the help... I had some idea what to expect and it sounds like you nailed it.

 

Front disks are a pretty basic DIY item if you are inclined. It means a 80% cost reduction...Bearing replacement probably requires an arbor press.

 

Here's the estimate I received, and the cost includes labor:
Replace Left Rear Hub (includes the bearings) - $382.51
Replace front Brake Pads and Rotors - $545.45

A lot of cash but we have a rainy day account for just such need. What I don't have is the skill or tool set needed for the job, so the appointment is scheduled. Looking forward to a quieter ride.

 

There's no shame in having someone do something you're not equipped to handle. Again, I don't know if you're DIY, but here's what I spent for the front pad and rotor. It didn't stress my DIY comfort zone at all.:


BRAKE PADS
30793618 1 $56.66 Shipped UPS 1Z23848E0395332804 10/13/2016 ROTOR
31400941 2 $121.70 Shipped UPS 1Z23848E0395332804 10/13/2016 Protecting Cov 30665013 1 $5.71 Shipped UPS 1Z23848E0395332804 10/13/2016 Subtotal
$184.07

Shipping (UPS - Ground)
$27.58

Total
$211.65

 

I thought a quick followup would be in order for the help I received, so...

I feel like I am driving a new car. QUIET, runs great, brakes better.

The rear bearings were the culprit, and now the car is quiet as a ... well ... pick something VERY quiet It's a fun car to drive again!

Thanks all, and Merry Christmas1

 

Check wheel bearings, front lower control control arms, axles, and motor mounts.

 

Good outcome. It's not easy to figure out which wheel bearing is the noisy one, so it's good they got it right.