Hi, my '98 Volvo V70 turbo w/ 154,000 miles has had a growling sound in the front end for awhile, it used to be faint and bearable, and driveable, speed really doesn't make a difference, except for it doesn't start until after 25 mph and then it is basically the same all the way up to 60 mph. At first I thought it was a wheel bearing and now I'm not so sure, turning to one side or the other does'nt make much of a difference and now there is a moderate vibration involved. The tires are newer, brakes and rotors are good. Could it be the transmission? or are both front wheel bearings shot?

 

My guess would be wheel bearings.

 

i have an 02 V70 . . . had the same symptoms as your 98 and turned out to be the engine mount and engine mount bushing causing the vibrations (that kept getting louder in time until it was so bad it stalled the engine)