I have a 1998 v70 T5 and love the car. I have a great local mechanic here in MA that works on the car and it has been great to me. Knock on wood...

Not to mention that it is as practical as a SUV but just a tad more fun to drive! ;-)

My question: I have a whining noise on front drivers side. It is getting louder and is now a good old metal to metal grinding sound. The mecahnic says it is a pump that pushes air into intake to help with emissions. Say the car will run fine once it dies and will still pass emissions. He claims it is a $500 job to replace.... Said problem is very common with this vintage Volvo.

Any comments? I am inclined to just let is die (hopefully soon, the noise is a bit embarrasing. It only runs for about 30 seconds. Runs when I first start up and I really can't say I have ever heard beyond that....)

I did see where there was another post suggested drilling hole in bottom of intake air pump. I am assuming that this is to solve this problem. Probably too late for me.

Anyone else with this problem?

Words of wisdom?

Thanks in advance....

Brent Byers