Hello Volvo folk!
First post here, though I'm on my seventh Volvo. I have a 2009 V50 2.4i that my son drives regularly. It has developed a noise with the following, very strange, characteristics:

• A constant, mid-range whine (not a high squeal like a belt or a bearing - not a tick)
• Heard on startup, BUT does not change with engine RPM
• Eventually subsides when the car is warmed up
• Sometimes subsides with steering input, sometimes not.
• Popped the hood and it is definitely coming from the front of the motor, in the area of the accessory drives, most likely lower down and either in the center or toward the right side (rear of the car)
• The power steering pump has been replaced already. Did not fix the issue. Checked PS fluid level and it's fine (and fluid looks healthy).
• Also checked for the "oil trap" issue and that's not it (anyway the sound is different from what I hear on FCP Euro instructional videos).

My best guess at this point is a bad tensioner on either the AC or the alternator. But before I go pulling parts, thought I'd check to see if you have any ideas.

Thanks!!

 

One more clue: if I turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn or more in either direction and hold on to it, whine stops. If I let go at that point (wheels turned but at rest), whine resumes.

 

Here's what you need to know for certain...

https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63691.html

There are no doubt better ones out there, but I've found this one to be absolutely adequate for any mechanical noise I'm chasing (well, one that can be reached with the car stationary, that is).

With a mechanic's stethoscope, you can easily and quickly locate the source of the noise. Just be careful around those "moving parts", of course...