I began hearing this a few months ago when holding the car on a hill, and thought it was because my front pads were so thin . However, it didn't go away after I replaced them.

Then last week, I heard a rumbling, rattling, clanking sound when starting off from a dead stop and upon acceleration. It sounded like something was loose. I began to suspect a motor or torque mount. Sure enough, the front lower engine mount (the front of the engine faces the rt. front tire)had collapsed, wearing away the rubber on the bottom, allowing the metal inside the mount to hit the subframe.

Found this description to replace it: http://volvospeed.com/Repair/front_mount.php

Ordered the part from FCP Groton and did it myself. It's a pretty easy job. I had to use a low profile 3/8" socket wrench for clearance on the two 17mm bolts holding the mount to the sub-frame and a 3' piece of pipe as a breaker bar to free them, but other than that it was simple and straightforward.

I went for a drive and all was quiet and solid, no more rattles!

You may want to check your upper & lower torque mounts (both of mine were loose from torn rubber, particularly the one mounted to the firewall) and the front, lower engine mount as well if you car has over 100K miles or you hear some rattles in the front and you know your spring seats are OK (twist the metal ring on top of the strut in the engine compartment by hand, if it turns the spring seat needs to be replaced).




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1998 V70 T5 138Kmi; Previous car: 1985 SAAB 900T, 254kmi