New 08 xc90 owner

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 08 Jun 2020, 18:28

So I just picked this gem up. 08 xc90 3.2. She has high miles but in great shape. It needs tires and the only messages is service tire monitoring system but I'm hoping a trip fie new tires will take care of that. I bought it off a small dealer and it came from an auction. By all checks it appears to have been maintained fairly well. The only thing I noticed is under hard throttle I hear a noise that almost sounds like a wheel bearing going bad, mostly on the front right side sitting in the car. Any thoughts on what to look for there? But I think a good snag for $2500.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 10 Jun 2020, 13:22

Wheel bearing can be checked by driving at the speed you hear the noise and steering the vehicle left and right. If the sound changes then you have a bad bearing, opposite side from the direction you're steering if memory serves.

Hard throttle noise might be something different and you could have a look at the mounts first to omit. 3.2 does not have the stabilizer bar across the top like the 2.5T, the 2.9T, and V8. This powertrain uses a passenger side mounted torque rod and failure is described in Volvo TechTips as "rocks in the transmission or bevel gear" albeit occurring at lighter engine loads. Easy check to give the mount a wiggle, if it rattles then replace. Possible there is something else going on but at 12 years old, if the side torque mount has not already been replace, it's likely been worn out for a while. Can also check the lower torque rod mount, that does not make noise but if it's failed you'll get some rocking on acceleration/deceleration and the shifts may feel a little harsh. Few more things can make the noise you describe but mounts are probably a good place to start.

TPMS sensor is probably battery-dead by now, I updated an old post to show a couple options but I think any mainstream manufacturer's sensor will work (test by triggering a TPMS sensor that's next to the vehicle with VIDA connected, if the UEM reports the SN on refresh then it's functioning). 315Mhz for MY08 North American market segment, my TPMS tool is incorrectly identifying these as 433Mhz which caused some of the confusion.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 10 Jun 2020, 14:13

-
Clean looking one! Hope it isn't.

viewtopic.php?t=68153
-

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 11 Jun 2020, 19:29

Ggleavitt if the tire shop can't refurbish or reset the tire system its not the end of the world. My plan was to likely change the mounts once a have a few miles on it to make sure I'm going to keep it. Its something I normally do.

Movolos. That sounds ugly. I'll have to look into that and potential warning signs.

Thanks fit the feed back.

chitownV · Post by **chitownV** » 11 Jun 2020, 21:25

The TPMS sensors don't have interchangeable batteries, but that hasn't stopped people from making a replacement. A typical TPMS battery can last between 8-10 years, with some longer and some not so. I would get all four changed if you get the tires changed. The frequency is not unique to Volvo, so universal ones can work which can cast the 315mhz mentioned. No need to re-learn or code to the vehicle as the vehicle searches for the nearest 315mhz codes when starting.

Can you describe the "wheel bearing noise?" Is it rotational/scratching or like vibrating/clanking? Vibrating/clanking would be more so the upper torque mount mentioned. See if it also makes the noise on idle when revving up, if so, then that's the torque mount.

Depending on your mileage, if you are anywhere ~90-120k miles or more, you might be due for transmission fluid, rear differential fluid, Haldex/AOC fluid & filter, brake fluid, power steering fluid, as well as engine mounts, spark plugs, air/cabin/fuel filters, and serpentine belt/tensioner/idler/water pump/thermostat. Unless you know these have already been done, it is a good idea to get them done to avoid more costly repairs or getting stuck on the side of the road.

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 12 Jun 2020, 16:55

Chitownv. Its like a groan that sounds like a wheel bearing when hard on the throttle. All the fluid changes are in the near future. I just got the plates yesterday I only have the test drive and the drive home to check it out.

chitownV · Post by **chitownV** » 12 Jun 2020, 17:12

Yeah, spend some more time with it to observe the noise in different scenarios. It could be a wheel bearing, but since you are reporting on load, not a change in turns as well, keep your ears open for other instances it happens. From the driver's seat perspective, it could also be angle gear, axle bearing, engine mount, driveshaft CV, tires, or something else.

Oitsujosh · Post by **Oitsujosh** » 19 Apr 2021, 14:02

Sorry for 'LATE" update here, Its been a rough year, I'll leave it it that. Actually this XC90 (dubbed Tabitha by my wife) has been a work horse and not needed a whole lot and has been one of the best decisions of the last year. That noise I thought was a bearing turned out to be the torque mount. It threw me off as there was no clunking as I'm used to with bad engine mounts. I just did the vacuum pump rebuild as it started leaking a bit ago. All in all i love this car. Hopefully soon I'll be in a position to put some performance geared stuff in her soon.