240 '89 Growling at low speed

Science · Post by **Science** » 29 Jun 2011, 14:16

Hello all,

Recently got the Radiator plughole welded and entire exhaust replaced. I also got the the 3 drive belts replaced. After this I noticed a growling sounds like its from ( by ear, so im guessing ) the after market cat-converter. I changed the spark plugs. Originally I thought it was just a minor thing that would go away after the new exhaust got "seasoned" . Not so, its been a couple of months and now when i start up I can feel the exhaust shake and the car sputters with low power for about 30 seconds until i force it to clear by flooring the accelerator pedal. I was thinking I have gas vapor or some kind of vapor making its way into the exhaust ???

Also, if I hear the growl and put the car in neutral it cannot be heard, put it back in gear - growl

Sci'

Science · Post by **Science** » 30 Jun 2011, 09:34

Ahhhh, this might actually be my differential.....

Taken from http://en.allexperts.com/q/Volvo-802/Re ... -Noise.htm

The differential is the gear box on the rear axle that basically divides the power coming from the rotating drive shaft to the 2 back wheels. If you look under your rear bumper, it's the steel tear drop between the two wheels right in the middle, about the size of a basketball. When differentials start wearing out, they can make noise; but keep in mind that some noise is normal, especially in a high mileage car. The first and easiest fix for this noise is to flush the differential with new lubricant (it uses motor oil). Many times noise can be due to low or dry conditions inside the ball that cause the gears to make more noise; something that would be fixed by new oil.

i will search the forum for differential, im already planning on replacing the lube in it as a precaution...

and regarding the initial "phantom" diagnosis I am changing the fuel filter... precaution

Sci'

Post by **billofdurham** » 30 Jun 2011, 11:55

The way I read your first post I find it hard to believe that it is the diff. There is no way the diff can cause the car to sputter, which you can clear by flooring the accelerator, and the exhaust to shake. Putting the car in neutral eliminates the growl but even with the car in neutral the diff still turns so should still growl. Your diff may be making a noise and changing the oil in it won't do any harm. Use an SAE 90 oil if you do change it.

You need to be looking at tune up items to clear the sputter and exhaust shake. Also check for fault codes.

Bill.

Science · Post by **Science** » 01 Jul 2011, 07:56

Bill,

Is this NAPA Gear Oil sufficient for the differential?

thx for help

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Jul 2011, 12:41

It is SAE 90.

Bill.

Science · Post by **Science** » 04 Jul 2011, 07:55

Bill,

I agree I must need oil & trans fluids changed so I will. If it rains at night the car seems to have congestion 1st start..... thats why I thought I had some moisture somewhere .... I however am not a mechanic I just try what I think I can do with my car.
Again tho' this problem is NOT related to the rear rubb ive been hearing...

I added proper lube to the diff. I am thinking of getting the rear inspected perhaps the brakes changed diagnosing the the rubbing noise. Definitely when I start the car and during the 1st few feet. It might continue but the rest of the car might block
the sound while driving...

Sci

Science · Post by **Science** » 06 Jul 2011, 05:42

Another Idea,

it might be that the drum is dragging all the time and you only hear it or it is only noisy at slower speeds. What I've started seeing in the last few years is the cable connection where it is held by a nut under the brake...the shank has a square shank and the e-brake has a square hole that the shank passes through and then the lock nut. That hole in the e brake handle is getting reamed out and the cable is jamming. The e-brake cam at that point is pot metal. If that happens, the only fix I've seen is to swap in another. Or...something is going on in the drum itself.
rear-end-grinding-my-240-comes-stop
swiftjustice44

I wish I could edit the title of the thread to "240 89' Growling at low speed.."
----

Post by **billofdurham** » 06 Jul 2011, 11:48

I wish I could edit the title of the thread to "240 89' Growling at low speed.."

Your wish has been granted!!!

It is a possible that you have a sticking parking brake. As these are rarely looked at, a check wouldn't come amiss.

Bill.

Science · Post by **Science** » 06 Jul 2011, 16:20

Thank you much!

Well just after work I was pulling out and engaged the Emer - brake slow speed... sure enough it is not working nice,
Then hopefully I can move on

let you know.....

Science · Post by **Science** » 23 Aug 2011, 15:28

How about, the caliper in the rear on the right is sticking .... I changed rotors and pads/hardware. Can hear the grinding and see the discolor on that side.... some one told me of a caliper lube I could try? I will believe it when I see it ....