I just had the tires rotated on my 2000 V70 FWD, 105,000 mi. Now there is steering wheel vibration and generally loud tire noise - no thumping or bumping, just roar as if I was driving on huge treads. Took it to indie, asked if it maybe needed alignment and/or balance. They said it needed new sway bar links, tie rods, alignment at a cost of $770...should I just go elsewhere and get balance/alignment first? I know sway bars are about $65 each- this sounds way too expensive, even if it is a necessary repair.

after a rotation.......then suspect the tires. Remember.....thats supposedly the only thing that changed. Sounds like the rear tires may have been cupped and out of align and now are being FORCED to ride differently on the front!

Sounds like a bad wheel bearing to me. If you can isolate which side is making the noise, I would try that first. I replaced one of mine at 93K miles on my S70. You should be able to get a set of links for about $40 at IDP. Easy to replace yourself.

You may want to check your steering fluid level. The similar noise happened to my 95 850 after tire change and it turned out because of low in steering fluid.

More than likely the toe is off in the rear causing the tires to cup. Now that those tires are on the front you can hear the noise they make a lot eaiser. I would reccommend that you have a 4-wheel aling. done and note it may take some time before the wear that causes the noise goes away. I had a customer yesterday that had exactly the same thing.

Thanks, I'm sure you are right. I just spoke to the guy who actually did the rotation (not the indie who said I needed the sway bar links etc.) and he said
exactly what you said. I will get the alignment. As a separate issue, should I look into the possibility that it does need sway bar links, tie rods, etc. at 105K miles? I'd probably go back to the guy who did the rotation to do this work if it is necessary- I just can't see it costing $770!

As a general rule if sway bar links are worn out you can hear them "klank" as you drive over bumps. Tie rod ends usually impart a "loose" feeling in the steering. If these guys are reputable,have them rack your car up and show you the excessive play in the parts.Heck we do it every day and if the parts really are bad the play will be evident.Good luck to you.