Recently changed front brakes on my 89 240. Everything was goin great, until about a week ago. Started off to work and heard a whirring / whinning sound coming from somewhere on the drivers side. It's a loud sound outside and inside the car and increases as I increase speed. Starts at around 10 mph.

I've rechecked the brakes - good
Replace fuel pump - no change
I've replaced wheel bearing in a former 240, and the sound isn't that same, but I haven't ruled out that as the problem.

Just thought I'd see if anyone might know the exact cause. I checked past posting for related inquires, maybe a dry power steering reservior. Didn't think of that!

Thanks,
sgreen7

easy to check for front wheel bearing.. jack and spin. do you have an MT? check the fluid? also, have you checked the fluid in your rear axle? noise can travel up the driveshaft and be deceptive.. i had a whiney whirr that turned into a grindey-clunk. i thought i was my center support bearing, so i changed it.. turns out it was my rear axle eating itself.

thanks, I did jack the front tire up and spun it. I didn't notice anything unusual. I listened more closely to the engine at idle and can detect a slight whirring sound. Perhaps a pump or alternator. Someone else suggested rear axle or center driveline support. I'll check them all out.

Thanks again,

Sgreen

center support bearings can make a pretty significant whirring sound that changes with speed,can sound somewhat like a police sireen

You might be on to something there. I don't know of an easy way to check that out but I'll get under there and look.

thanks,

Sgreen

I have noticed a whirring noise in my 944 turbo, thought it might be the turbo, but after a bit of inspection, it seems to be a noisy alternator. Whirring noise increases with engine speed. Check it out-probably not if it follows car speed only, but it is the only whirring I have heard from my volvos.
I would have changed the alternator already if I had some 'extra' cash, or if it was getting hot or louder. No on all 3 counts, so I just keep an eye on it.

Thanks, I've listened more closely at idle speed and I seem to hear a faint whirring sound though I can pinpoint the location. I'll check the alt out.

thanks for the imput,

Sgreen

check the bearing in the drive shaft it might be drying up