I love this car

eb2143 · Post by **eb2143** » 17 Nov 2006, 19:28

98 Volvo S70 GLT

Newport, New Hampshire to Hamilton, New York and back to Newport, New Hampshire on one tank of gas; 518 miles; clicked at 16.5 gallons; 30 mpg

I'm very impressed

Driving included two trips on the entire length of VT Route 9 (HUGE elevation changes) and 3 hours in pouring rain without using cruise and with ponding water on the roadway (very negative effect on rolling resistance). Cruise set at 73 when it was used.

BUT
My transmission is showing some signs of wear/breaking?
In reverse, it makes kinda a buzzing noise, especially on cold mornings. It works fine but it sounds much different when in reverse than when in drive.

Also twice on this trip after starting from a stop with the wheels locked (like backing out of a parking spot) the car made like a bang and it felt like I ran over something in the road...but nothing was there...

Any ideas? sorta sounds similar to another active thread
92200miles

Post by **pfeener** » 17 Nov 2006, 19:35

I wouldn't worry too much about the transmission noise, but I would flush the transmission if it hasn't been done within the last 30K miles.

The noise with the wheels locked could be as simple as the wheel stops needing to be greased. Look under the car on the front of the control arm and you'll see a piece of white nylon riveted to the control arm. Clean it off and put a coating of grease on it and see if the noise goes away.

eb2143 · Post by **eb2143** » 17 Nov 2006, 19:54

pfeener,

I had the wheel stop noise and as you said, it was mediated with grease. This problem seems to be different; the whole car literally shutters and almost jumps (thats why I think I ran over something) It sounds like a pop/bang and is sudden. Also the wheel stops happen every time I would lock the wheels; this seems random.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Nov 2006, 20:49

Anyway, I second the opinion to do a transmission flush. You can find the how-to here: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=8767

eb2143 · Post by **eb2143** » 17 Nov 2006, 20:53

sorry, forgot to mention: it was done 15k ago.

Is the 98 known for tranny failures, or S70's in general? Not trying to jump to conclusions or anything.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Nov 2006, 21:34

These car's tranny's do fail if they aren't serviced. If way over 100K and you had it flushed, it still could fail. It seems that if the fluid is black and smells burnt nothing may be able to save the tranny. But I suspect something else with the bang from a full-cock turn. Our cars do indeed sound different in reverse...they aren't meant to be driven in reverse...just to back out and park, etc.

steve · Post by **steve** » 18 Nov 2006, 05:54

My car also makes the same noise occasionally when backing from a stop. Its like a bang/ sproing noise and I too when it first started happening thought I'd backed over something.

I haven't confirmed it but I suspect the emergency brake is dragging or hanging up somehow. I usuallly use the brake when parked, and when I back out of a space, after releasing the brake, is when I hear it.

I can sometimes duplicate the noise when I engage the emergency hand brake while moving slowly in reverse.

I am about due for a total brake job and plan on doing it myself this time.

Your thoughts??MIJ??

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Nov 2006, 06:59

I was also going to mention the rear emergency brake too. These are known to wear out and stick (usually rust on). You can take your rear wheel and hub off to confirm, but even simpler is just not use your e-brake for awhile and see if you still get the bang on back-up. I've read about this before and it's not all that uncommon after the car gets so old. If it is the e-brake, www.fcpgroton.com sells the parts you need to replace it...you know it's a separate braking system than your regular one...

steve · Post by **steve** » 18 Nov 2006, 12:25

Yes, Thank you, for confirming my suspicion.