Me again! Another issue I have with my 2003 140,000mile XC90 T6 AWD 3 litre auto is a strange noise. No one can tell me what it is. It only comes on during acceleration and it between about 35kph to 80ish klm per hour. It sounds like a 'something revolving' sound BUT at way less revs that the engine and running gear. It sounds a bit tinkley a bit like marbles being shaken in a tin (but a going round sound!). The engine DOES not make the same sound when revvved out of gear, nor does it make the sound rolling down a hill....only upon acceleration. A very experienced mechanic has no idea, neither does a Volvo auto gearbox mechanic. The best that has been proffered is 'tyre noise'. It does have over size tyres width wise as the last owner was trrying to protect the allys from scuffing the kerb. Does not sound like tyre noise to me. There is no knocking on either side when the wheeels are on full lock doing a 360 turn and inspection of the vehicle on a ramp with the car off the floor showed nothing with the wheels rolling and still. Does not seem as bad in tiptronic!!! Some times it is not evident. I am not sure but it may have come on after wheel alignment as that is when I 1st noticed it. Only had the car 5 weeks and did not seem to notice it before wheel alignment..anyways it seems it was there one day and not there bofore! Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

Were you able to solve your problem? I have a 1998 V40T which has the exact same strange noise especially during acceleration....almost as if the exhaust manifold has sprung a small leak (checked exhaust...all good). Its a pretty annoying noise . Cheers!

 

I am suspecting it has something to do with loose exhaust shield or something related to the exhaust vibrating. Exhausts, or exhaust shields can make sounds at the weirdest times and speeds.

Since you checked everything else, I would take it to an exhaust shop and get it inspected.

 

I am having the same noise on my 2007 AWD XC90 i had a mechanic look at it and they could not find the source of the noise. Did you happen to resolve the problem ?

 

Was not able to find the problem. It still makes the noise during acceleration but no difference in performance. Exhaust and sheilds etc are all good. Still a mysrey to me.

 

Hi, many folk have looked at the car.......none can find a fault. It COULD be the transfer box apparently that takes the drive from the front ot the back...but will not know unless you strip it down. Car runs perfectly, infact since I got both the lower r/h side lower bushes done the noise has significantly got quieter!!!!! WTF??????? It has been going on now for over 6,000klms. There has been no issues with the noise..car runs perfectly. I live with it now and will not bother repairing it as no one knows what it is. Main thing is the bearings are fine as are the drive shafts. One of life's little mysterys eh???? Having said all that in 2 years I will buy a 4 year old Mazzy CX9. No more V's for me.

 

any solutions to this problem. Having the same problem

 

Hi Genesis, I have the same issue, see my strange noise post and description. My wife took it to the Volvo dealer and they diagnosed it as a worn engine mount, a piece of it actually fell away during their inspection. Taking it in next week for a replacement. Will let you know

 

This is one thing that I hate about Dealerships etc. They always want to say it is an axle or some other nonsense.

If you have a Volvo with over like 120k Miles (can be less) it is usually suspension issues that cause the noises. More often that not rubber bushings that have began to fail. From my experience, I would look at the following.

1. Engine Mount - Rubber pcs begin to crack needs to be replaced usually fairly easy to do yourself if you have the right tools. (Visual inspection easy)

2. Transmission Mount - Another Rubber pc that begins to fail (have not had to do myself but there are videos on youtube and it does not seem bad if you have the right tools. (Jacked up visual inspection is easy)

3. Control Arm Bushings & Ball Joints - I would say almost always replace both at the same time (these can be tricky to do by yourself but possible)
(Jacked up visual inspection is easy most of the rubber bushings in the control arms and the ball joint you should be able to see)

4. Sub Frame Bushing - These are usually the most common problem that goes undiagnosed when for Volvo's with over 150k miles on them. Most Volvo's you can get inserts to put in rather than replacing the whole unit. Much cheaper and if you go polyurethane more than likely will never need replacing the life of the car. (Because you can not see these with higher mileage Volvo's you can not visually inspect without removing some covers)

 

I suggest you let the car repair shop and make mechanic have a look.

 

I suggest you read the forums. And if you decide to do so you have a good idea of what it might be and probably isn't. That is the only way you won't get suckered into phantom repairs.