I have a '95 854 Turbo with 43,400 miles on it. I've noticed in the past couple months that there is a rattling sound in the front suspension when I go over even small bumps. It sounds like something is broken or loose, but actually the car drives and handles just fine. Any ideas what it is? I tried pressing down on the front of the car and it made no noise, it only makes the noise when I go over a small bump or discrepancy on the road.

Also I've noticed that my car idles weird. It's sort of rough and pretty loud. Keep in mind the car only has 43,400 miles, but the previous owner used 89 octane fuel most of the time. Could the fuel system just be a little clogged or dirty? I'm thinking maybe a can of BG 44k may help. Any idears?

Thanks!
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'95 Volvo 854 Turbo: Gold Edition
K&N Air Filter, Leather, 6 disc CD-changer, Rear Spoiler
tinted windows

Just had the same issue (rattle). Top strut mount was worn.

I had same rattle problem, could not find it, then got smart. If you do not have a jack, a floor kack is only about $25 at Wal-Mart, Sears, etc. Put the jack under the front anti sway bar and jack up the car. If you see a space between the btoom of the bar and the center of the bushings, they are worn and the bar will rattle. I fixed mune by cutting a small strip of aluminum gutter I had around and pushing it in the space. Rattle gone.

Jay,

I had a similar symptom and it was the power steering plumbing rattling around as the nut was missing from it's mount. You can pull the wheels and feel around for stuff like the sway bar end links etc. Do you hear it when you have the brakes applied also? If not, it could be a loose brake pad or caliper.

About the idle, check for vacumn leaks around the elbows. You mention it being loud though and that has me scratching my head. Could it be an intake pipe has come loose?

Regards,
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Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

Thanks for the replies guys. I dont have a jack or lift so I can't get under my car. I talked with the dealership and they said it could be a number of things. I'm getting my Volvo serviced and checked out on Friday, so we'll know what's going on soon.

I'll keep you'all posted!
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'95 Volvo 854 Turbo: Gold Edition
K&N Air Filter, Leather, 6 disc CD-changer, Rear Spoiler
tinted windows

Sway bar links are making the noise. Common failure.

Rough idle could be many things, but vaccum leaks at various rubber elbows is the place to start. Also a common failure.

You speak as if 89 octane is dirty fuel. If the car was designed to run on 89 octane, then using fuel of a higher octane is, plain and simple, a waste of money. The only time a higher octane fuel will help is if there is something else wrong with your engine and the computer decides to retard the timing in order to stop the detonation caused by the real problem. In those cases, the lower octane fuel will appear to offer less performance. But that is only because the engine is retarded due to the real problem.

The only thing is, the 850 was designed for 91 or higher octane.
I would check vaccum lines, as that would cause a rough idle....a good shot of BG44k couldn't hurt...take off the hose to your throttle body and see if it's dirty, that will give you some indication of whether or not the fuel system needs to be cleaned.

As for the rattling, jack the car up, and see if there is any play in the wheel...check to see if eveyrthing appears to be connected and all the rubber joints are in good order.
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Brandon
95 854T 92k
Pictures =)

Well the rough idle was for two reasons. Firstly, the throttle body was caked up and dirty, so they cleaned the throttle body. Also the butterfly on the TB was loose so they tightened it. Also they cleaned the fuel system with a can of BG 44k.

The noise in the front suspension was due to a torn/broken shock seat. They had to order the new parts and I have to bring it back this Friday to get that fixed. Oh yeah, the rear splash guards are on the way as well!

Tranny flush went well. They used the tranny conditioner and filled it with Castrol ATF. Engine oil was replaced with Mobil 1 synthetic.
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'95 Volvo 854 Turbo: Gold Edition
K&N Air Filter, Leather, 6 disc CD-changer, Rear Spoiler
tinted windows