Noise from front when turning and braking at low speeds

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 11 May 2011, 14:51

Hello everyone. I am a new Volvo XC90 owner. We just purchased our vehicle in Jan 2011. A few months ago we started hearing a clunking noise in the front end when applying the brake and turning at low speeds such as turning into a parking space. We took the vehicle to the Volvo dealer and they replaced the bushings and we still have the sound. We took it back and they said the struts needed greased and we still have the sound. We took it back a third time and now they don't seem to have any open appointments for 3 weeks so they sent us to another Volvo dealer. The volvo is now at the shop and they are keeping it for a few days to try and figure it out. Before we dropped it off today we took it to a mechanic that we know and he noticed that there is unusual wear on the outside edge of the 2 front tires. Could this be related to the sound that we are hearing? Is there something that is causing the tires to wear and also make that sound? The vehicle only has 6000 miles on it and should not be having all of these problems already. This is our first Volvo and I am not impressed so far with the quality. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please share them with me. Thank you for taking the time to offer anything you might have.

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 11 May 2011, 14:52

Also wanted to include that the noise is not there if you are not applying the brake. It only occurs when using the brake and turning.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 11 May 2011, 20:02

This isn't a good sign, nor is it indicative of what most of us have experienced with our Volvos. I'm sure some of the smarter experts here can and will help you out with good info. I am an engine guy and don't know a lot about the steering hardware, especially on the XC90. Is it AWD? If all else fails, start talking "Lemon" to the dealer management and call the Volvo Cars of America customer service number (1-800-458-1552) . Let them know of your issue and be sure to emphasize SAFETY!! The tire wear is a very worrisome issue. And at 6,000 miles no car, regardless of brand, should do that. Personally, I'd be in the face of the management, Sales, service and General manager/owner. Good luck and please let us know how it gets resolved.

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 11 May 2011, 23:43

Thanks SimLyons. The problem is we bought this directly from the factor in Sweden because we were stationed in Germany when we bought it. So not sure who to go to as far as management and Volvo. Also yes it is a AWD vehicle.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 12 May 2011, 11:04

I worked for Volvo North American (Corporate, in Rockleigh, NJ) and retired in 2002. ALL cars sold in Sweden to US military, US tourists, diplomats and employees from the US have US warranty coverage. Also, those who travel to Sweden to pick up their car are covered. They can't deny you service, period. If the dealer gives you any problem at all, just call that customer service number. 40% of Volvo's sales end up in North America. They make their money on the parts sales and dealers make theirs on parts and service. No one should complain, except you!

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 12 May 2011, 11:09

PS: I've bought several cars over the years for myself and my family, also for friends. No one was ever turned away or denied warranty. All of the cars were purchased in Sweden by me, in Swedish Kronor.

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 12 May 2011, 15:43

Nobody is denying us the warranty other than one Volvo dealer here telling us that the tires are not covered. We still have not heard anything yet. The vehicle is still at the dealer getting looked at or fixed. Not sure yet. We really love the car and just want it fixed. I have been researching and am starting to believe that maybe the wear on the tires is associated with the noise that we are hearing when braking and turning into parking spaces. The problem is we are still here in Germany for a few more weeks and the dealers won't listen to anything we say. They act as if we have no idea which we probably don't but they totally disregard our suggestions or thoughts. We have to ship the vehicle to the states on the 31st and then it will be around July before we can get the car looked at again the states.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 12 May 2011, 18:26

I know this reply is way out there but how about a family ferry trip to Goteborg (Gothenburg). Maybe you already did that when you got your car but I have had really good experiences with the Volvo dealer in Volvo's home city. They are large and customer priented (or were when I was there about 9 years ago, before I retired). The Germans aren't known for their openess to suggestions by ANYONE outside their own shops. Even then.....well. (Not referring to all Germans, of course..but the ones I worked with at Volvo were pretty hard-headed on technical matters). It does sound like a serious misalignment issue and that would be called "progressive damages" regarding your tires. I would even try to call the Volvo home office in G'borg

(Telefon (växel): 031-325 02 00 (växeln är öppen mån-tors 07:30-17:30, fredagar 07:30-17:00)...says they are open 7:30 til 5:30, but til 5:00 om Fridays.

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 13 May 2011, 00:05

Thanks but there is no way possible to go back to the factory. We fly out of here in 2 weeks and we both work until the day before. We are just gonna hope for the best with the dealer that has it now and then we will deal with it in the states in July. We are however pusing the issue with the tires with the military sales guy that we bought it from because there is no way those tires should be worn at 6K.

armyfamily · Post by **armyfamily** » 13 May 2011, 05:25

Just heard from the dealer and they are saying that they think it is the rubber bushings in the brakes for the noise that we are hearing when we are braking and turning into parking spots. Does this sound right?