My 1998 V70 has been making a rumbling noise when I brake. I checked the rotors and pads (replaced last year) while rotating the tires, all OK. I did notice inside treadwear on the right front tire. I thought it had more side play than the left tire as well. Does this sound like a wheel bearing? It still rides pretty quiet. Also, I noticed there is no seal cap over the axle bolt. I know it's a sealed bearing, but is that normal?

 

If it only rumbles when braking then the rotors are warped.

 

I know the rumble you are talking about, Tech. That is why I replaced the rotors last year. This is more of a gravel road kind of a feel.

 

Usually if it is a bearing it will make noise when driving normal. But a buddy had one kind of like you explain with his L/F wheel on his 850. He said it sounded like metal on metal almost when stopped. Eventually it made the rumble when driving all the time.

 

Based on the tire wear an alignment is in the future too, but I want to address the underlying problems first. Thanks for your responses. Do you know if there is supposed to be a seal cap over the axle bolt? Seems like it should, but I couldn't find it on the axle diagram either.

 

No there should not be a cap.