My 01 V70 suffers from what I can only describe as a 'droning' noise. It is most prevalent at 40-50mph on smooth surfaces. I replaced both front bearings. The left was definitely worn out and there was a significant improvement, the right turned out to be okay when I took it off, but I replaced it anyway. There is no real difference in the noise between going straight and turning, but applying the brakes increases the volume. Also at highway speeds I can feel slight vibration/roughness through the center console. I had the front wheels balanced but this had no effect.

Any ideas would be most welcome.

 

Swap front and rear tires and see if it changes.

 

Big improvement - thank you. The offending rubber is V-grooved Federal, installed by the dealer when I bought the car, probably the cheapest he could get his hands on