Hi,

I have a 1993 850 sedan -plain vanilla. I think I have a problem w/ the PS rear wheel bearing but I.m not sure. I've had many RWD volvo but this is my first 850, I suspect but I'm not sure it's the wheel bearing so I'll provide my symptoms and diagnostics and see what the group thinks.

I hear a harmonic "singing" sometimes. It's not your usual grinding noise at all like I expect to hear from a wheel bearing. Sounds like I'm in some Greek tragedy and the "sirens" are calling me to the reefs. Really it's eerie. WHo-o-o-o. about an octave above middle C. Sounds wavers in intensity in response to turns but never gets LOUD.

1.)The sound seems to be coming from the PS rear. (Open window test)
2.)I hear it when turning to the left, eiher slightly or more. (I was taught that hearing a bearing noise while turning left indicates the right wheel and vice versa - more pressure on the outside wheel bearing)

1 & 2 would indicate the PS wheel bearing but the damn harmonics are weird. Is this normal or is my car haunted? I'm not familiar w/ the rear suspension but research indicates there are a lot or things going on that may cause oise also.

FCP has hub assemblies for approx $125. It doesn't seem too difficult a task to replace but I'm not sure that's the problem

any advice...suggestions...diagnostics?

paulfr

I would look at the brakes first. You should try removing the pads, clean everything up and lubricating them as shown on volvospeed. Check to see if your car has the proper shims as well.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 435,000 miles put on 9 bricks