S70, N/A, 5-Speed: Sporadic low speed wheel noise + sudden flash of ABS/TRACS light... Topic is solved

[jsn9839]

What's going on here...

Did a long drive the other day, approximately 175 miles back and forth to NJ. (Waved hello at a fella driving a grey S70 in Morristown, he didn't wave back...)

Getting on the GWB, heard this weird sound, whining/groan at low speeds. Didn't hear anything on the highway at full speed. Thought nothing of it.

On the drive back home, before getting on the Throggs Neck Bridge, heard the same sound again. Didn't hear anything on the highway at full speed. Kept driving.

Getting off the Clearview Expressway, I slammed on the brakes and got a weird ABS/TRACS flicker. Sound present at low speeds.

The next night, it's raining and I don't hear the noise at low speeds or at high speed.

Today, driving around, no sound. But, now, I can recreate the ABS/TRACS light issue. If I rev the engine and slam on the brakes, all power goes out for an instant (e.g., radio, lights) and the ABS/TRACS light flickers.

Some other info:
- Car tracks true
- No CV joint noises
- Battery is 7 years old (Interstate)
- Matty Moo ABS unit
- Never before had this problem
- Noise was coming from the front (purchased two front wheel bearings because, why not... was planning on doing this over the weekend)
- 4 yr old brakes (Bosch Quietcast)... need to refresh brake fluid before the winter.
- No hot rotors (touched rotors after drive they were warm, not hot)
- No codes
- Sudden drip from oil drain bolt has been annoying...

Any ideas?

[jsloden]

First, that's a really old battery. That might be somewhere to start. It could also possibly be a loose ground. When the weight of the car shifts forward it could possibly be pulling a wire somewhere. The symptoms you describe could possibly be related, or it might be a coincidence.

[jsn9839]

Thanks for the reply jdloden. Yeah, I need to get that battery replaced. Worst case scenario, my car dies and I give it to my brother to use in one of his three P80s...

[jsn9839]

Try making/breakng the ABS connector carefully. Look at the pins for corrosion while open.

It could be excessive current is giving you the error.

Thats an old battery, check voltages at the ABS motor to see if your power drop is nominal too.

You never visit anymore

[jsn9839]

You never visit anymore

When's the next party? In all seriousness, we should get a park permit and plan an MVS barbecue this summer.

[jsn9839]

Might be able to get a pavilion in Schoharie - have used there many times for family reunions. Likely could fit ~70 vehicles without issue.

[jsn9839]

Henry Hudson park, on river in Bethlehem

Free, 5 minutes off i87 exit 22, mile 135

[jsn9839]

Wheel bearing noise combined with ABS/Tracs message is usually a shot bearing. They wobble so much that the ABS sensor can't read the ABS ring on the CV shaft.

I'm up for a party!!

[jsn9839]

I was going to say something a little closer to NYC and to 84 so folks from CT, Northern Jerse and PA can get there without having to go anywhere near NYC...

James Baird Park?

Are we really going to do this?????

Update: Car passed inspections with flying colors! Figured I should buy something from my local shop so decided to get a new battery. No noise or flash of ABS/TRACS light in the past 30 miles... Sheesh... Will definitely keep an eye on it.

[jsn9839]

Why do you complain about a two hour trip up the Taconic when it’s two hours to get to BROOKLYN?

The whole point of ALB is to be a bit too far for NYC people .....