strut mount/other issues?

[cantseetheforest]

I have a 2002 V70XC, runs great. I bought it at 180k and it is now at 215k, and has needed only routine maintenance.

However, over the past couple of months I have been dealing with a loud noise coming from the front right and/or center of the vehicle. It is not absolutely constant, but does happen quite regularly every time the vehicle is driven. It is less noticeable on perfectly smooth highways at high speeds, and is worst when going over bumps, especially small ones such as a roughly paved neighborhood street or back road. It is not associated with turning the car.

The noise is a combination of a "rocky" rumbling sound, like stones being tossed around roughly in a metal pail; a slightly louder, rapid clacking or knocking sound that is more intermittent; and a high-pitched whistle that is only occasional. That clacking/knocking sound causes some intermittent vibration that can be felt in the cabin. The noise is loud enough that it easily catches the attention of people walking on the sidewalk. It started out sporadic but has quickly gotten worse and more frequent.

Today I had some tires replaced -- one had an irreparable hole, and it was time to replace them all anyway. I did not mention the noise problem when I took the car in, because I wanted to see what the mechanic said about it if anything. I was told after the inspection that there is some play in a front tie rod, and that one of the strut mounts has failed and needs to be replaced, with HD "quick strut" recommended. This was at Ye Old Lube Express Franchise -- they offered to fix the tie rod and strut for around $1,300, which sounded rather high to me.

I plan to take it to a small mom'n'pop outfit locally, one that has been recommended to me for reasonable work on old Volvos. What do you folks think; could the strut mount be the cause of the racket? I know these things can be tricky to diagnose. What's a reasonable price for fixing it? And are there other things to check?

THANKS in advance.

[Mafka]

A bad strut mount would indicate first a rubbery rattle on even slightly uneven road (think that if there's a play in the mount then first this play gets to be played before the strut starts to work) and if driven like that for a while then it turns a bit metallic.
It being the front mount it also as a bearing for turning, so if the bearing is stuck you will hear clunks when turning the steering wheel.

Given the price asked and saying you need "HD "quick strut"" I think they meant Bilstein HD series struts? I havent tried these but I have Bilstein B4's on my V70 rear end and they are prretty much as stiff as I would go on a street car, HDs are supposed to be more sport sided and stiffer so I'm not sure if you would like these on your car.

[harryhendo]

Gabriel makes a quick strut, which is available for around $200, so they are making a LOT of money on that repair. I used them on my V70, and it took me only an hour and I don't have air tools. You can do it, its pretty easy, and there are videos available on youtube.

For a rocky rumbling sound, I'd suspect a failing CV joint instead of a strut mount. At 215K, they are probably in need of replacement.