2006 XC90 2.5 FWD-front drivers side growl

Post by **mrbrian200** » 31 Mar 2019, 22:49

Seeing as you're still banging your head on this after some time and an expensive part or two later, I'm going to say it again...

At this point I'd say you're either looking at differential noise (transmission) or a rear wheel bearing.
In the following video while making the video the guy is convinced it's front end diff noise. If you look at the comments it turned out to be a REAR wheel bearing. It's a Toyota truck, not a Volvo. But the point is that the noise as localized from inside the vehicle does not necessarily mean the noise is coming from from where you seem to hear it or even feel it. I've been through this with my sister's 2003 XC90. Driving the car you might have sworn the front left wheel bearing or angle gear/transmission was about to blow up. It was the right rear wheel bearing. Sitting in the back seats or front passenger you'd only feel it a little and barely hear it.

Youtube Video: Toyota rear wheel bearing mistaken as front differential noise

Please take a look at the rear end (wheel bearings, drive shaft, rear differential) before throwing more money at the front.

aaron1611 · Post by **aaron1611** » 01 Apr 2019, 05:09

ok, thank you. Watched the video and I definitely hear the whoomp whoomp sound when on the highway so I'll take your advice and get someone in the back to confirm noise is or isn't coming from the rear and post back.

Post by **cn90** » 01 Apr 2019, 06:50

Jack up each wheel and spin it to diagnose bearing noise.

aaron1611 · Post by **aaron1611** » 01 Apr 2019, 07:28

well, I did the rear wheels already and I didn't feel or hear anything after spinning them. I haven't done the front passenger side yet which is probably what I'll do after confirming if any sound is actually coming from the rear.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 01 Apr 2019, 08:58

Wheel bearings sometimes will not have physical play and only make noise when there's weight on them. ie-they'll seem fine spinning by hand with the vehicle raised off the ground.

aaron1611 · Post by **aaron1611** » 01 Apr 2019, 10:57

I took a test drive with my wife in the back with her ears to the floor and there isn't any sound coming from the back. She rode as a passenger and could hear it but not as clear as I can. I then let her drive and then she could hear it very well. I will say that it is much less of noise sitting in the passenger seat but I can still feel it coming thru the floor with my feet. I will jack up the front this afternoon and spin the front passenger wheel.

dj_v70 · Post by **dj_v70** » 01 Apr 2019, 18:46

Consider buying a set of chassis ears.

aaron1611 · Post by **aaron1611** » 02 Apr 2019, 05:13

I'll see if any local parts stores has one available to rent. Thanks for the suggestion.

aaron1611 · Post by **aaron1611** » 06 Apr 2019, 06:42

While I was out of town this week my wife dropped the Volvo off to have the front alignment performed but the shop was unable to move forward due to necessary repairs needed to be done first. Front right axle shaft, inner left tie rod and both front lower control arms. It's quite possible that these repairs will fix the sounds emanating from the front. I've yet to find a rental chassis ears tool but will keep looking. Interestingly, they said nothing about front wheel bearing hub needing to be replaced.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Apr 2019, 02:06

Growl louder on swerve right.......bad left bearing

Growl louder swerve left.......bad right bearing

It’s quite pronounced an effect. Once they get noisy they last another 10-15000 miles or so , then get really noisy, then I don’t know what happens but I bet it’s ugly.

If it isn’t changing on loading, it’s something else

I’ve removed noisy wheel hubs and they bench feel like a new one, by the way.

2006 XC90 2.5 FWD-front drivers side growl

Re: 2006 XC90 2.5 FWD-front drivers side growl