Hello All,

I know this is a V70 site, but I'm hoping some one can help me. I have placed the following query on the 850 site, and did get some helpful responses. I'm hoping, someone on this site may have suggestions too. Here's the problem:

I have a '96 850 wagon with a manual transmission. I purchased the car new. It now has 225,000 miles and has been well maintained. About 7,000 miles ago, I began to hear a metal "click" when ever I backed up the car, or drove forward. It was intermittant at first, but became more consistant after a while. I initially heard this noise as I backed my car out of the garage, and turned. The noise is a single click. I brought the car to my independent Volvo mechanic. I demonstrated the noise to him as he stood on the driver's side of the car. I drove back and forth a few feet in each direction. When I stopped the car, and when I began to move in the opposite direction, a single click would be heard. It seemed to be coming from the front driver's side axle. I want to add, that you can hear this click noise if the wheels are pointed straight or turned. The mechanic replaced the front hub. The noise continued. He then replaced the driver's side axle with a rebuilt unit from the local Volvo dealer. The noise disappeared for awhile, but came back a few weeks later. There is an iPd skid guard on this car, but I checked and it is secure. Plus, this noise is a distinctive metal click, like something is being turned. This noise can also be heard sometimes while I'm driving along, and I go over a slight rise in the road, which I guess affects the speed or force of direction the front left wheel is traveling.

I trust my mechanic, because he has serviced this car for years. But before I throw any more money at it, I'd like to know if anyone has had a similar experience with their Volvo. Thanks to all who respond.

Hugh