My 96 850 glt has a throbbing noise comming from the front passenger side wheel. I've noticed this noise increases when I turn to the left, going up hill, or doing anything that adds increased weight/stress on that quaderent of the car. I looked at the control arm, the cv boot, and had the tire checked for tread separation, none of these seemed to have a problem. it seemed like the only other logical conclution would be the cv joint, but at the same time I'd hate to spend that money only to find out that it was something else.
Also I've noticed that any time the momentum of the car is shifted, like when I put the car in drive from park, it'll squeek. it also squeeks going over bumps on the road, this I have no idea where to even start with problem solving. do you'll have any ideas?

Daniel

Your right wheel bearing is toast. Replace the hub.

I would have thought that if it was a bearing then with hands on opposite sides of the tire feel play in the bearing. and I wasn't able to feel any on mine. after the incident I took the car to get an alignment and pointed out that noise to the mechanic, and his diagnostics were that it was the bearing.

I have EXACTLY the same problem, and it's been getting worse over a few months. Mine is ALSO a 96 850.

I started getting the trobbing after I had the tires rotated, but since I have owned the car (8 months) I have noises going over bumps from the front right tire. A visual inspection shows nothing. CV boot looks fine. I am suspecting the suspension. I think a bearing is going too, as I am getting a pulse in the steering that nudges the wheel left.

The "front" engine mount under the crank pulley typically goes out after about 90K miles. Not too hard to replace. You can get to it through an access panel inside the passenger side front wheel. Just put a jack and a piece of wood under the oilpan and lift the engine a little.

Is one of the subframe mounts or engine mounts bad (rubber part degenerated or split)? You might be able to tell this by trying to separate each with a prybar.

Another possibility is a weld that has separated somewhere and is allowing unusual flexure in the body. This seems very unlikely, especially in a Volvo. I had symptoms like yours develop in an Acura after it had been on the road for about 16 yr and had much visible and hidden rust. I junked the car since this would be very unsafe. Was your car ever in a serious accident where something wasn't repaired or straightened properly?

the car slid into an embankment sideways which is when the throbbing noise started. it wasn't that fast though, just lost traction and over steered as a result, the car was lodged perpendicular to the road, which would have put a lot of stress on the front right wheel. I probably should have put that in the initial post, but forgot. would that be the type impact to cause one of those problems?

Now that you've mentioned that, I would suspect a bent control arm and/or bent rim.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

would you be able to see if it was a bent control arm? I looked at what I am pretty sure is the control arm, and it didn't look bent to me. if it is, how hard is that to replace, can I do it myself?

Sure you can replace it yourself but you will need a front end alignment afterwards. I would go to an alignment place first and have them check out your suspension...might not be that but some other front end part(s).
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

My vote is for the engine mount.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.