S60 problems, looking for suggestions

greenS60 · Post by **greenS60** » 02 Aug 2010, 18:41

I have 2 questions. I have a 2004 S60 2.5T AWD with 95k miles. Last year I brought my car to the dealership to look into issues with the car "overstarting". I'm not sure how else to expain it. The car starts every time, however, if I am out and about going from store to store, it tends to stay engaged for a extra couple of seconds like the starter doesn't realize the engine has already turned over. The car has a certified warranty which is why I brought it to the dealer. After having the car for a couple of days, they said they could not "duplicate the sound" so nothing ever got fixed & I just continue to deal with it. The other problem I have is a more recent one. Over the last few months, my car has started making a loud whistling humming type of noise after prolonged driving over 55mph, such as on the highway. I can feel it vibrate up through the steering wheel. My husband said it sounded like the bearings so he drove it to work one day to see if it happened. After driving it & looking it over, he said he doesn't think it is the bearings. He knows quite a bit about cars so I am confident with his observation. I read a post from another Volvo owner that had a similar problem & it was determined to be the valves or rings in the oil pan. I've also heard water pump. My warranty is up in a couple weeks & I am bringing the car in to hopefully take care of these problems. Has anyone ever heard of either of these things happening & found out the cause?

Post by **igel513** » 02 Aug 2010, 19:18

On the older cars, the started had a bendix drive w/c could go bad and cause the "overstarting" as u mentioned. I don't know about this newer cars if they still have em. I haven't experienced or heard any whistling humming sound on my 03 but if there's
vibration you feel on the steering wheel, it could be bad tires/alingment/may need balancing, bad steering components. The gurus here will chime in pretty soon.

greenS60 · Post by **greenS60** » 02 Aug 2010, 20:27

Thanks for the input. I actually have brand new tires (in November 09) and also got an alignment a few months ago & the problem continues. I had all 4 tires checked & rotated last week but again still persists. The only other way I can think of to describe the whistling sound is to think of an old sci-fi movie & the sound effects they use for UFO's only a little deeper pitch. Cheesy analogy I know but it's about as close as I can come without someone actually hearing the sound.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Aug 2010, 20:31

Wheel bearings

greenS60 · Post by **greenS60** » 02 Aug 2010, 20:35

Would wheel bearings only make the noise sometimes or consistently?

1foren · Post by **1foren** » 03 Aug 2010, 07:25

Bad wheel bearings usually have at vibrating sound. To check. First, As you are driving straight, slightly turn(1/8-1/4) the wheel to the right listen for the vibration to get better or worse. Then to the left. If it does not get better either way (which is not generally the case) then both are bad. If it gets better to the right the left side is bad and visa versa.

greenS60 · Post by **greenS60** » 03 Aug 2010, 14:19

There is no vibrating sound when driving normally. It occurs after I have been driving for a while and usually over 50 mph. I can feel it in the steering wheel/column. Do you know of other issues that may cause vibration in the steering wheel that have nothing to do with the tires, bearings, etc.... Engine problems perhaps, such as valves or pumps?

1foren · Post by **1foren** » 04 Aug 2010, 08:52

Generally, you don't feel engine problems through the Steering wheel. Any codes? Did you try what I mentioned above? The other possibilities. Tie rod ends and at the minimum I would Rotate the tires to see if it goes away. New or not you can still have problems.

Post by **igel513** » 04 Aug 2010, 11:23

Check your engine mounts, trans. mount

greenS60 · Post by **greenS60** » 04 Aug 2010, 18:26

Yes all of the above were tried, tires just rotated a couple weeks ago. I have an appointment at the dealership next week. Trying to do some research as they seem to never be able to duplicate the sound and it's the only dealer in the area & the cars under warranty for a few more weeks. thanks for the suggestions, please keep them coming if you can think of anything else. Also, I know it's long but please read my original post as it sums up a lot already done.