2008 V70III Yet another whining noise problem (with videos)

[redy157]

Hello,

First of all - hello everybody, I'm new here.
A few weeks ago I bought my first Volvo, used V70III from 2008, model 2009 with engine 2.5FT B5254T8 and automatic gearbox AWTF-80SC with 132000 km on the counter. Unfortunately, I couldn't check it properly while I was buying it, so now I can see it has some issues. The most worrying thing is a strange high-pitch noise, a whining with frequency changing together with engine rpms - it changes while I accelerate or when the gearbox changes gears. This is my first Volvo and the very first car with automatic gearbox, so I don't know if that's something serious or typical for that model. However, to me it is too loud to be normal.

I started searching for hints on the net and I found some similar noises made by generator or air conditioning, but I have that noise only when I'm driving (not on parking with the engine on) and also with AC off. I tried to record it during driving:



To compare, here's the engine on parking with gearbox set to P :



What that could be? Faulty gearbox? Differential? Inlet manifold gasket? Something else? How serious it could be? I live in Sweden, so simply going to some workshop is an expensive choice but I'm about to drive to Poland, so I can have the car checked properly there, but can it safely drive 1000km?

Thanks in advance for all hints!

[redy157]

I might have been wrong. Today I decided to listen to it again on the parking lot, asking my wife to change rpm, and it might be actually audible there as well. When you listen with an open bonnet then normal engine noise covers this high-pitch noise, but when you drive - it somehow propagates better to the cabin than engine noise so it's noticeable more. I keep writing "might" as I'm still not 100% sure it's the same thing. I recorded the engine with bonnet up again, this time with higher rpm:



Is it then the generator or something close to it? You can hear the noise better by the end of the recording when I moved my phone towards generator, but I don't want to suggest anything.

[Pleco]

This seems to be an AC problem on mine. Will let you know what the outcome is.

Your symptoms while parked seems the same. Switch off the AC and check again. Not sure what is making the noise, and if it is load dependent on the AC compressor

[JDS60R]

Sounds like the alternator bearing but use a mechanics stethoscope to check the timing belt pulleys, tensioners as well.

Some chose to get it to whine, then remove the serpentine belt to rule out the timing belt and components. ( by running engine and listening to whine with serp belt removed. Also gives a good chance to turn off car and spin power steering pump, alternator and ac compressor to see if bearings are rough or noisy.

[Pleco]

Had my Timing belt changed 3 days ago. Noise still there. Definitely goes away when switching off the AC.

Will be going back to mechanic next week for a list of other items to be done. Will let you know what came up.

[redy157]

I finally get my car to a workshop. Their diagnosis - power steering pump. They're getting a spare for me now, I hope this solves the problem. New one isn't cheap, though.

[Pleco]

Let us know please.

My experience with power steering noise is that it will make more noise while using while stationary. Not sure if this is the problem in your case.

I had the power steering fluid and the pollen filter replaced, and it seems the noise is less. Will let you know if I find the problem. Seems like a reasonably common issue.

[redy157]

It was indeed a power steering pump. I got it replaced including all additional pieces following Volvo prodecure (like o-ring, reservoir, fluid) and the noise is gone. Even though it was quite expensive, I'm happy now, as I stopped worrying that something may just fall apart while I'm driving.
I didn't notice more noise under stationary use. Frankly, I didn't notice any connection to the noise level and use of the steering wheel, that's why I didn't suspect that pump. It seems it's quite a tricky beast

[Pleco]

Thanks for posting the fix.

Too many threads stay open ended.

My mechanic added some more oil to the AC compressor and the whine dropped quite a bit. So it seems mine will be an AC replacement. Also not cheap, but in SA a failing AC not fun at all in summer.

[redy157]

Good luck with the compressor, indeed in CA it could be worse that driving without power steering . Maybe you can get a used one cheaper somewhere, maybe online?