XC70 front end noise

[laselva54]

My '03 XC70 was sadly towed to a dealership 200 miles from home and awaits their diagnosis on Monday. We were driving in very heavy rain on a highway (50-60mph) and the front end started a high pitched noise that got very loud and sounded like it was coming from both front wheels. There was no loss of steering or vibration, but what sounded like a metal on metal noise. It was impossible to continue on in the rain without the noise re-occuring and an obvious impingement of something in the front end.

It happened very briefly two days before (in heavy rain) but stopped when we pulled to the side of the road then continued on when the rain let up slightly. Called the local Volvo dealer for service advice and was told it was nothing to worry about. I would sure appreciate any advice on what to ask the service department to look for tomorrow.

--A Mom without her wagon

[matthew1]

Sounds like a wheel bearing that's gone bad to me.

Please get back to us with what the dealer says. This is interesting.

[laselva54]

The diagnosis is the serpentine drive belt hydroplanes from driving in heavy rain. The rubber ribbing will sometimes burn off during the process causing the high pitched loud noise.