Went up to Durango last Tuesday and retrieved my duaghter's 1996 960. First off, many thanks to Wayne Hullett at Durango Small Car. Although the shop was swamped he took a few minutes to check it out for peace of mind. Also, many thanks to Bob Wennerstrom who pointed me to Wayne as well as Bob offered to take some time out of his day to help, if need be.

At first the thought was that it was perhaps a vacuum leak. The vehicle experiences a slight squeal or whine around 2500 rpm - goes away ath higher rpm's(also noticed it around 15 mph). Very high pitched and does go away.

Got the car home and did some checking today. Noise is there whether there is any of the climate controls turned on. Used the 'shade tree' mechanic stethescope (rubber hose) and placed it in various locations. No noticable noise coming from the vacuum canister behind the glove compartment but did notice an amplified sound when the hose was placed on the body down by the shifter (I have taked out the center console and glove compartment). Tried to check differential oil but cannot figure it out (any hints).

I am hoping someone can offer thoughts or ideas on what the noise could be and what to check next. I plan on dropping by Independent Volvo on Monday to get their thoughts but, as good as they are (and they are very good) the knowledge base of the Brickboard is excellent.

Many thanks - Ted in Albuquerque
1996 960 134,300 miles

Try checking for a vacuum sound around the spot where all the vacuum lines are hooked into the intake manifold-that hook up has an O ring that can disintergrate and cause a leak. You can take it off with a 10mm socket and pull the part out and check faily easy. The dip stick for the tranny is located way down on the right of the engine. The tranny is supposed to be filled for life from Volvo-if you belive this and stick to it it is a wonder your car has lasted this long-has the tranny fluid ever been changed in the car- if not check under the 960 faqs for the tranny flush and learn how to change the fluid out and do so.
Poolman