My wife complained about the 'loud' all-season tires that she bought last fall. She just had them replaced with some nice Michellin tires, and still has the front-end noise. It goes away when you turn right, so my guess is that it's probably the front, right-side wheel bearings? If so, how much will that set us back? Should we have both sides replaced (120K miles)?

Thanks,

Bernie

Hi, I had only good 100k km (V70D5AWD2006)on last year as the driver side bearing was gone, now one year later I'm hearing first noice of next bearing job, guess it's the right side one.
- seems to me that volvo has today lower quality parts as earlier 850s
- would be good to collect quality experience of replacement bearing hubs as it
seem to one new regular maintenance item in new volvos:
last year driverside replacement= DSP for about 100€ DIY
br Tapsa

Just did the passenger side (right) on my 850. The noise went away when making left hand turns. Sounds like you might need the driver's side not passenger. Does the noise increase above 30 mph when going straight?

They do not get replaced in pairs, so just do the one that makes noise. What you will be looking for is a replacement hub assembly, the bearings by themselves cannot be replaced.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.

Klaus - I have contacted the local Volvo dealer, and he quoted $485 + tax to replace the front wheel hub assembly. I was wondering if this is something I could attempt to do myself. What is involved?

Thanks in advance!

Bernie

Before you do anything, you need to verify that it is indeed the wheel bearing that is making the noise. If the noise goes away when you turn, it is usually the hub that takes the weight - opposite from turning direction.

Jack up one front wheel, grab the wheel a the top and bottom and try to wiggle the wheel. If you can hear noise, it is probably that bearing. Verify with jacking up the other side and doing the same test.

To DIY, this link is pretty good. But, I would take off the wheel, pop out the center cap, and put the wheel back on - no torque setting needed, just tighten the lug bolts, and put the wheel back on the ground. Then, loosen the center nut, you will need a breaker bar.

Then jack the wheel back up, put in a jack stand for safety, and get to work. If the hub screws look rusty, spray some PBlaster at the base of them and let them soak while removing the caliper. Hang the caliper on the strut spring.

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how_tos/volvo_brakes_wheels_repair/fwd_volvo_bearing_hub_replacement.html

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/3092/nm/Volvo_V70_Front_Wheel_Hub_2001_2008_OEM/category_id/103

Klaus
--
Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.

Klaus - as you suggested, I lifted the front left tire off the ground, but couldn't detect any (more) wiggle/movement (than on the front right tire). Maybe it's not the bearings that are producing this noise?

Thanks,

Bernie

If the noise goes away or change in pitch when you turn the wheels, it is probably a bad bearing. Usually, a worn bearing will not make noise while driving in a straight line until your speed increases to above 40mph or so.

You might want to ask for a second opinion at an alignment shop or a good repair shop. TAPSA said his went out at close to 62K miles, which sounds a bit premature.

Klaus
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

Thanks Klaus! I'll give it a try this weekend. As always, your expertise is greatly appreciated.

Bernie
'96 850 wagon (310K miles)
'07 V70 wagon (120K miles)