How noisy is the interior of your XC90?

[TrstnBrtt]

I think anyone who has owned Volvo’s for a long time is familiar with how much noise an older interior can make. I was hoping I could get some suggestions on how to keep the various creaks and rattles quieted down in my 2006 2.5T. I also wanted to share some areas that were really noisy that I’ve managed to quiet down. I live in Vancouver, BC but my car has spent some time in Quebec as well just so you have an idea of the climate my XC90 has lived its life in.

First off - the integrated booster seat: this thing has been the bane of my existence since I bought the car. It rattles like there’s a metal Cricket living in it. I assume it’s some kind of spring or the latch mechanism but if the pavement isn’t perfectly level then all you can hear is a metal spring bouncing off of something else that’s metal. I’ve had the thing apart and wrapped everything in foam tape and it still won’t stop. I don’t care about hindering it’s usage. I’ve never needed a booster seat in 11 years of driving and I don’t need this one, so hit me with your ideas!

Second - the rear cargo cover: I couldn’t figure out what was so noisy every time I’d hit a bump, or turn or anything. It was driving me insane there were so many creaks while driving. I took every single panel off in the rear and replaced all the clips, but as soon as the cargo cover was out the car was WAY quieter. Any ideas on how to keep that quiet? I’d love to keep it in the car as it parks on the street all the time.

Third - rear tail gate trim: I had everything off and replaced the clips and added some foam tape. Way quieter and the tailgate feels more solid.

Forth - center console: I will be securing this in a more perminant way. It doesn’t need to come out and the two parts make A LOT of noise rubbing together.

Fifth - interior door pulls: I carefully cut out some paper towel and lined the metal door pulls that connect to the door panel. I also pushed the clips that hold it in a bit tighter. They didn’t have much move so I don’t think that made much of a difference.

Sixth - Rear seat springs: I greased the rear seat springs that fold the rear seats. Made a bit of a difference.

All in all my car is a lot quieter but I’d really love to make use of the cargo cover and shut up that booster seat once and for all.

[thebull]

Hi TrstnBrtt, it really depends. What i found about the interior noises is how well car has been taken care off. Perhaps it sounds strange but what I mean is for example lets say door panel was removed and has not been put back properly. It will make noise for sure. I have two XC90 one is from Alberta (2009 3.2) other is from BC (2006 2.5T5) spend first year in Ontario. My 2009 car is making way less noises. The only thing is somewhere on the second row seat something rattles once in the while. Could be the boost seat.
Other 2006 car makes way more noises. First is the steering pump first 5 minutes (has to be replaced), second is the passenger side door panel, third I suspect is the driver side axle when turning hard left. Car was in very poor condition when I bought it. Due to moisture in BC the interior is more somehow rusty, people did not replace cabin filter ever, had some dog or two and never cleaned the car. So you can imagine.
Lets not forget blower fan motor cricket noises. I have it on both cars once in while depends on the fan rpms. Weak spot on these cars.
Greetings from Maple Ridge.