2006 XC70 246k Engine noise

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 16 Feb 2026, 19:53

We have a sound coming from the engine. Most notable when the engine is at operating temp. Looks like it’s coming from the back of the engine, but not 100% positive.
I have removed the auxiliary belt and timing belt cover and inspected for wear marks, not the case.

Car drives fine, burns 0.5 quarts between 5k oil changes.

I have attached a sound clip with the noise. It’s a low frequency sound, like something is rubbing.
Please let me know if you recognize this sound.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 16 Feb 2026, 20:49

Was this audio clip recorded with serpentine belt reinstalled? (This way you would eliminate lots of moving parts). If yes, I would ask how long ago you changed your timming belt/ water pump components and if they were of a decent quality. If the noise was recorded with serpentine belt- have you checked your power steering pump fluid level?
Good luck

Post by **scot850** » 17 Feb 2026, 08:35

Check the exhaust manifold nuts are tight. These engine like to have them come loose, and then blow the manifold gasket.

Neil.

Post by **vtl** » 17 Feb 2026, 13:10

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh is likely a VVT hub. Exhaust side usually dies first.

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 17 Feb 2026, 18:55

Vova585 wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026, 20:49 Was this audio clip recorded with serpentine belt reinstalled? (This way you would eliminate lots of moving parts). If yes, I would ask how long ago you changed your timming belt/ water pump components and if they were of a decent quality. If the noise was recorded with serpentine belt- have you checked your power steering pump fluid level?
Good luck

Thanks much for your reply.
The clip was recorded with the serpentine belt on.
Timing belt, waterpump pulleys and tensioner with the kit from FCP. Continental belt , Aisin waterpump @ 194k miles in 2021
Just checked the power steering fluid, level is okay.

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 17 Feb 2026, 19:00

vtl wrote: ↑17 Feb 2026, 13:10 Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh is likely a VVT hub. Exhaust side usually dies first.

Thanks much for your reply.
I did replace both VVT hubs with new ones from Volvo, together with the timing belt at 194k miles.
I will try to listen with a stethoscope, near the hubs.

Now I wished that I purchased them from FCP

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 17 Feb 2026, 19:01

scot850 wrote: ↑17 Feb 2026, 08:35 Check the exhaust manifold nuts are tight. These engine like to have them come loose, and then blow the manifold gasket.

Neil.

Thanks much for your reply.
I will try to tighten them.

Post by **vtl** » 18 Feb 2026, 08:24

Rvolvos wrote: ↑17 Feb 2026, 19:00 I did replace both VVT hubs with new ones from Volvo, together with the timing belt at 194k miles.
I will try to listen with a stethoscope, near the hubs.

Now I wished that I purchased them from FCP

That's not enough time/miles to have them killed.

Can you remove the top plastic cover and shoot a video of t-belt with engine running?

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 18 Feb 2026, 08:30

I would remove the serpentine belt and start the car. This way you will narrow it down to timming components vs serpentine belt driven accessories.

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 18 Feb 2026, 08:50

vtl wrote: ↑18 Feb 2026, 08:24
Rvolvos wrote: ↑17 Feb 2026, 19:00 I did replace both VVT hubs with new ones from Volvo, together with the timing belt at 194k miles.
I will try to listen with a stethoscope, near the hubs.

Now I wished that I purchased them from FCP
That's not enough time/miles to have them killed.

Can you remove the top plastic cover and shoot a video of t-belt with engine running?

Yes , I will report back this weekend.