'99 Volvo V70XC Rattling, Hum

[Marilyn99]

First I had a rattling noise that sounds for all the world like a loose heat shield. Then the car developed a low pitched hum that seems to be coming from the front . It increases in volume as I accelerate but the worst is between 50 and 55 mph, then it subsides so I'm aware it's still there but not nearly as loud. (There is also the "banshee" wail that comes from the right front when it's wet out which I think is a different issue.) I can feel a very small vibration in the steering wheel although I doubt most people would notice it. The front end doesn't feel sloppy - I had an upper tie rod replaced on the right several months ago.

Any suggestions? I don't want to just take it to Volvo and have them charge me a lot to poke around if I don't have to.

[oragex]

The easiest check for the 'humm' noise is the front tires. Make sure the pressure sits around 36psi and the tires have uniform wear

You may also check the wheel bearings, to do so, the best is to remove the brake assembly from the wheel hub (two 17mm bolts I think), then the brake disk, then spin the bearing by hand. This way you can feel if it turns rough or smooth (a little bit of roughness is ok).

[Marilyn99]

I realized that I can feel the vibration in the accelerator as well and when I caught a small dip in the road with my right front tire this evening the car slid sideways to the left (no ice, it's above freezing). Is this any help?

[abscate]

Marilynn...get your car going on a deserted highway and drive at the speed where you best hear the noise. Now turn left and right to see if the noise changes as you turn. If it is louder as you turn, then goes away when you turn back, it's a wheel bearing.

Loud turning left, bad right front wheel bearing
Loud turning right , bad left front wheel bearing

[JRL]

Wrong forum, Steve you should move this

[abscate]

Thanks Jim, missed that....the oil filters don't swap either.....