98 v70 xc thud in rear, rumble strip sound

Lindsv70xc · Post by **Lindsv70xc** » 25 Oct 2015, 14:39

I recently picked up this wagon and I have noticed some alarming things happening with it.... at random, but usually when turning, first starting out, or upshifting, I will hear a loud thud. I have been doing a lot of research and sounds like that is a propshaft issue, does that sound right?

Also, my other issue with it is.. also at random speeds, I will notice an aggressive vibration, feeling like I'm on a rumble strip. Too sounds like it's coming from the rear. Any ideas as to what this may be? It doesn't feel like normal tire vibration, it feels identical to driving on a rumble strip. Strut mount? Axle (I know that's more of a continuous click if that's bad), bearing, tirod?

Also.....(ugh) I noticed with my radio. It won't turn on. It just says off.

Help!!

Post by **FLXC90** » 25 Oct 2015, 16:58

Well, the radio is the easy one, leave the key and radio on for at least 2 hours, it should return to CODE, then program code, you get three tries and it will lock you out and say OFF.

For the rear end, jack and stands, try moving things, check wheel bearings, look at brakes for abnormalities. CHECK fluid in the rear diff. Check rear CV joints,

Try removing prop-shaft and see what goes away.

Lindsv70xc · Post by **Lindsv70xc** » 26 Oct 2015, 10:41

Thanks for the reply! I'll update after I do these, fill you in with how it went!

Thanks again!

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2015, 11:42

There are several things that can give you a 'thud' with either a FWD or AWD Volvo of the 97-00 years.

Noisy can travel. but are you able to tell if the noise is coming from the front, middle or rear of the car?

From the front, check engine mounts, particularly the torque mount at the top rear of the engine to the firewall, and the mount under the engine crank pulley. Both do fail and will give you a thud.

As FLX90 suggests, check the prop-shaft, particularly the front bearing and central carrier bearing. The center one will give a thud under your seat, and both will give noises like bearing failure/rumble when failing.

If the thump is from the rear, check the bush at the front of the viscous coupling unit housing where the prop-shaft meets it. The bearing at the front of the VC housing can also cause a rumbling when failing.

Also check all the wheel bearings for a rumble. They get noisier when turning and loading them up.

Neil.