2011 XC60 T6 front suspension groan

[getardtgibbs]

I have a 2011 XC60 T6 with 115,000 miles on it. Recently it's developed a slight, annoying groan that seems to emanate from the front left wheel area when slowly braking such as to an intersection. The mechanic heard it but did not have any suggestions. He checked the brakes and they were good. It sounds more likely to be suspension related. Anyone else experience this same thing and have suggestions for solutions? Thanks.

[jimmy57]

Strictly a brake applied groan? Does it go away if the brake is applied harder? If it only makes the noise when the brake in first applied as suspension moves then suspension is more the suspect.

The noise often starts for a reason and can go away again. Getting wheels cleaned or any other reason the brake rotors get wetted and rust can upset the deposits of brake pads that imbeds into brake disc and affects the contact friction between the two. If this started after something that wetted brakes happened then you may be able to fix it yourself. You brake moderate 3 consecutive stops from 30 MPH and then do it from 50 3 consecutive stops. Find a safe place to do this and stop-accelerate-brake to stop. This will get brakes HOT and they will loose their normal feel at the second 50 MPH usually but do the third stop anyway. Then drive for a distance without stopping, 2 miles or more, this allows brake discs to cool evenly. This successive stops routine will clean rotors if there is something on them and at the same time it will deposit brake pad material into the pores of the brake disc metal that can be washed or rusted off the faces. This upsets the pad to disc friction and the repeated stops will put it back.
Who replaced the brake pads last and did they use Volvo pads or what brand?
Many times non OEM pads will make noise but have no braking issues other than noise. The fit of pad into caliper bracket and the compound of the friction material can allow the pad to "stick-slip" and this makes groan noise. The pad grabs the disc too aggressively and then loads bracket and torques the strut and then the pad slips and the tension relaxes. The cycle of load-relax repeats at a frequency that makes something (can be the coil spring) sound out. The fit and compound being carefully selected made by the manufacturer avoids this. If they are non-genuine pads then you may have the noise until the pads are replaced with genuine ones or a brand known to not have any noise issues. Not all non genuine brake pads are noisy

[Davezx6r]

The only thing I would add to the above suggestion is if you are ever intentionally heating up your breaks in such a manner, this goes for intitial break in of pads as well, you should do every thing you can to avoid coming to a complete stop. Get down low coast for a bit and then start again. If possible get on the highway immediately after to cool down the braking components again after you are done. Otherwise you run the risk of warping your rotors or heat treating the spot where the pads sit at the complete stop and causing a hard spot that will lead to vibration later on.