2001 V70 T5 - Whirring noise at low RPMs in 4th gear

GST · Post by **GST** » 28 Jun 2008, 17:00

Hello, everyone. I've spent a lot of time searching for someone with a similar problem, but no success.

I just bought a 2001 V70 T5 with 96K miles. Everything seemed in very good condition and I didn't notice anything strange on test drives. Just a few days ago, I began to notice that at low RPMs in 4th gear (and I think sometimes in 3rd), I hear a whirring noise coming from the front end -- possibly the front right. I can also feel some corresponding vibrations/abrasions when my foot is on the gas pedal. The sound comes at a rate of about 2/sec. and lasts for only a few seconds, even when I don't accelerate in 4th gear.

This seems like a transmission problem, but I just can't tell. The ETM was replaced a few years ago at the dealer and shifting feels otherwise pretty good -- not the smoothest while downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. Can someone shed some light on this problem? Should I try a fluid flush and see if that helps?

On a related note, I've been reading about this lower transmission mount and wondering if it might be a good purchase:
http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?strPa ... &V_ID=7901

Thanks,
GST

Post by **JRL** » 28 Jun 2008, 20:10

IF you need one, go with an OEM one, too much vibration with these

howardc64 · Post by **howardc64** » 29 Jun 2008, 00:58

GST wrote:Should I try a fluid flush and see if that helps?

I hear common wisdom is not to flush on high mileage auto transmissions if you don't know the history. Reason being gunk circulates around after flush and clog valves which results in transmission stops working.

Without history or dirty ATF, I think most mechanics recommends drain+fill (change 1/2 fluid) follow by another drain+fill in a couple of months after the first.

Another thing to try is to get the new transmission software loaded if previous owner haven't done so. My 01 V70 T5 drives like a totally different car with the new shift profile. Much more responsive. $100 at the dealer. Here are some notes on that.

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/driveline.htm

GST · Post by **GST** » 29 Jun 2008, 14:48

Another thing to try is to get the new transmission software loaded if previous owner haven't done so.

I know that the previous owner had this done. I have the entire service history from the day it was bought. Don't have the info. on me, but I know it was done, maybe somewhere around 60K.

I was driving last night and noticed that the sound seems to correlate more closely to wheel rotation (faster whirring noise at higher speeds, slower at lower speeds). Is it possible that this is an alignment and/or a brake/rotor problem?

Thanks. This is a great forum.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Jun 2008, 15:12

Could be...or it could be bad wheel bearings (hub).

GST · Post by **GST** » 29 Jun 2008, 15:45

Could be...or it could be bad wheel bearings (hub).

Would this be visible by removing the wheel or just getting the car up and looking on the inside of the wheel? I haven't done much work on wheels, so I don't really know what to look for.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Jun 2008, 16:19

No it's not visible...best thing is to jack your car up, take the wheel off and just lightly spin that wheel to try to ascertain the sound.

BobP · Post by **BobP** » 30 Jun 2008, 16:36

Hi GST,

I have had both front wheel bearings go on my V70 (1 at 105k and the other at 120k). Both sounded totally different. One made a noise like a rhymic rumble about 1/2 sec cycle around 50 to 65 mph. Second bearing sounded like a faint whine in time with the car speed.

But this test identified the bearing as the problem.
Drive in a circle both clockwise and anticlockwise and listen to see if the noise is louder in one direction. If it is then the wheel on the outside of the circle is the likely culprit!

Hope this helps?
Bob