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