Sorry in advance for the long post but this one really has me stumpted!

I have a '99 XC with just under 70k that has developed what I can only describe as a some combination of whining/whirring/moaning noise from the engine compartment when I turn only to the left while accelerating. I can't figure out whether is it related to the power steering, transmission, engine or other. I will be taking it in to the shop but I would love to have some idea what the heck is wrong before I do.

The typical scenario goes something like this: I have to make a hard lefthand turn--almost a 180 degree turn--off a fairly busy road in order to get to my home. Unless I am going extremely slowly around the corner, as I step on the gas to accelerate out of the turn I hear the aforementioned noise from the engine compartment. The noise will continue for the next 30 seconds or so even after I have completed the turn and eventually go away. Basically any time I corner hard to the left while accelerating I hear the noise.

My first thought was that it might be the viscous coupling system or bevel gear since a sharp turn would have the wheels spinning at very different speeds. Perhaps I am just a bit paranoid about the bevel gear after reading horror stories on Brickboard. Now I am starting to think that it has something to do with the power steering system (fluid level seems to be ok).

Has anybody had a similar problem with their XC?

bob!

I uncapped the power steering reservoir and sure enough the fluid was very low. One trip to Kragen and a $3.99 bottle of power steering fluid later the noise is gone! Now I just have to make sure there isn't a leak in the PS system somewhere.

Thanks,
Eric

Check your power steering fluid level. When the fluid is low, on left turns it sloshes away from the suction hose at the bottom of the reservior, momentarily starving the pump. This is a common occurence on 99 and newer models.

Another pick on your brain....on the front wheels on the XC, dealer says torque the bolts as tight as you can; pictures show a huge nut on the hubs....my 99XC has only 14 mm bolts on the inside middle of the front hub? (trying to get the rotors off to surface) Any suggests'n (Ohiwish@earthlink,net) Thanks muchly

You know, as I was posting the message that exact thought came to mind Sometimes the answer doesn't hit you until you write it down no matter how hard you think about it. Thanks for the response...I'll check the power steering fluid level to see if that is it.

my '98 is starting to do this. i figured it was from hard driving here in philadelphia (184k mi) but, i don't think it's power steering fluid. mine's just been topped off and it's still doing this grinding/vibrating on hard lefts. i'm thinking like ebo on this. i have my local mechanic looking at this later this week. i was just dealing w/prop shaft issues that may have been related to the bevel gear set afterall. also, i had the front wheels off and noticed a much noiser backlash coming from the transmission. (fluid levels are fine.)
i'll post with the bad news later this week or next.

after a trip to a transmission specialist to chase a ghost that was thought to be a bad right front wheel bearing and axle support bearing (since we had that side of the drivetrain unassembled, why not change it too...), i ultimately ended up at the volvo dealer on a hunch i got from some friendly posters on v70xc.com. it seems that i had a bad lateral motor mount that allowed the engine to tip/roll in the engine compartment with car body roll. compounded by inertia while turning/cornering to the left only, i was getting a low level grinding or gear noise from momentary front drivetrain misalignment when the engine moved relative to the front right axle assembly. $300 US later (parts & labor) and i was off and running like new. of course, that doesn't count the near $1000 in trial & error with driveshaft and tranny specialists. guess i'm lucky it was that simple. all seems well for now and my volvo technician says that i have no consequential damage with other related drivetrain components.
185k miles and on my way to 200.....
:)