I have a 2001 V70 T5 with 126K miles on it. Once in awhile I notice a popping sound coming from front end when braking at slow speeds or acclerating from a stop. Not sure if it is brake or cv joint or other. Any toughts?

Thanks!!!!

 

Hello, One thought is that items wear with time and mileage. Brake pads can shift and the flexible elements of the suspension can dry and break down a bit. My V70 makes noises at 130K. I hope changing out the front struts and its related hardware and the sway bar links will make my grunts and groans go away. I can't wait to feel the new struts. The only thing I can do to isolate any one part during this maintenance is leave the new sway bar links off until last. This will remove the sway bar from the system and I should be able to tell if the sway bar bushings are creaky. Bad CV joints are "always" described as clicking while turning when they go so I wouldn't think it was that. Kira

 

My '01 V70 T5 makes an occasional front end noise, too. It sounds to me like something shifting inside of a rubber fitting. My mechanic says it's not bad enough to fix yet because new struts are about $500 or so.
Any body using Monroe struts/shocks? When I replace them I want something that will give a softer ride. (Maybe I should just buy a Buick; I'm old enough.)

 

Hello, Your car is an '01. Any idea of how many miles are on it? At almost 11 model years old the soft, flexible parts have begun to age. These are normal maintenance items. An R is going to have a stiffer suspension to begin with. Many have posted that they've bought an adjustable Koni strut and left it on the softest setting. I went with the Sachs "Sport Touring" (stock). How stiff can a 3,700 pound station wagon be really? A V70R to a Buick?? Rotsa Ruck! Kira

 

Well it is kind of a clicking/popping sound. I replaced a lot front end suspension stuff about 8 months ago, struts, spring mounts, sway bar, contro arm ends etc. (all the thumping and groaning went away!) so I am leaning towards either brake part movement or cv joints????

 

Hello, Sounds like you're on the right track. Try going into tight turns in a parking lot. The good news is that axle replacement (THE way to address a bad CV joint) or brake work is quite doable for the DIY or small mechanic. Kira