Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 wagon with a manual transmission. The car has 225,000 on the odometer. I purchased the car new. About 7,000 miles ago, I noticed a "clicking" noise coming from the front driver's side axle. This noise was generated, when ever I backed up, and then drove forward. The change in motion, would cause the "click" noise. It wasn't a continuous clicking sound, just a single click. The click at first was intermittent, and then became consistent over time, where I could easily duplicate it on command.

I brought the car to my independent Volvo mechanic, who has serviced the car for years. He initially replaced the front driver's side hub. The noise continued. He next replaced the front axle with a rebuilt unit from Volvo (he could not find one from an afermarket supplier - because it was dealer sourced, the cost over $350 for the axle alone). For a while the clicking noise was gone. Unfortunately, it has recently returned. Before I throw anymore money at this problem, I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience, and what the solution was, if any, to persistent "clicking noise". I must add, this car is equipped with an iPd skid guard. But I checked to make sure it was secure and was not the source of the clinking noise. I've had the skid guard on this car and another '96 850 wagon I own, for years and each with over 100,000 miles of use and have never heard this noise associated with the guard.

I trust my mechanic, and know he is doing his best. But I would welcome any help in solving this noise. Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Hugh

'96 855 Manual here too - I also have this click when I come to a stop while backing up. No clicking around tight turns and visual inspection of boots was fine. Believe it or not, I suspect it is a brake pad shifting.

AJU,
Thank you for your response. If you're right, I spent over a $1,000 on a $49 repair. It would be so ironic, that you're probably right. I'll let everyone know how it works out. I have to get rid of this click noise. I've invested to much, not to see it through.

Hugh

I'm not quite certain what you're describing.

Is it a single "click" .... or more of a "clunk" as the drive train loads up?

Does it make the noise only one time as you begin to move? Does it "click" again as you decelerate and load the suspension in the opposite direction? Or if you turn sharply at low speed? Do you only hear it, or can you feel it in the steering wheel or floorboards?

If you jack up the car in gear, grab the tire and try to rotate it forwards and backwards to see if you can duplicate the noise.

Even though it's a rebuilt axle, it may be flawed. But there are other possibilities. A visual inspection of the CV joints is necessary, if only to eliminate them as a source. And try both sides... you only replaced one of them, right? A single "click" (or something like that) can also be as simple as a strut mount. You need to narrow this down a bit more before you throw any more money at the solution.

Your mechanic may well have been correct... (perhaps the hub and axle were the source at the time they were replaced)... and now it's something different... are you sure it's the same sound?

Good luck

Marty
'96 855T

Some have had problems with rebuilt axles. I'd put the front end on stands and have a look at the CV boots--esp. the outside passenger one, to see if any are torn and dry inside. While the car is on stands you can spin the wheels to see if no-load on the suspension makes a difference. Good luck.

Baumeer, Thanks. I'll follow your suggestion. Hugh

Baumer,

Thanks, I'll follow your advice. I really hope to likc this problem.

Hugh

I had the same problem and found out that the bushing on the connecting link was shot. Replaced the connecting links(left and right)and the annoying "click" went away.

Makoshark,

Thanks for your suggestion. As you've read, I've already paid for all the "big ticket" repairs that could have been the source of this "clicking" noise. I hope your suggestion, along with the others I have received, will lead me to eliminating this noise. Although I hope for success, I also realize is will not recoupe the over $1,000 dollars in prior repairs to eliminate this problem. I do take some satisfaction, that if you advice proves to be the solution, this experience will become part of the "institutional knowledge" of my independent Volvo mechanic, so others can be spared the expense and frustration, both of us have experience. Thanks.

Hugh