97 850 GLT Whining/whiring at 40mph

lk250f · Post by **lk250f** » 30 Jan 2013, 20:16

Hello, I purchased this 97 GLT within a few weeks ago. Before i look further/ open a warranty claim I would like to share my info. The car has 91k, i bought it wish 90300. Been great so far. No issues there. I noticed today a bit of a whirring noise from 35mph up to 40mph. It goes away when your foot is off the accelerator, one when you apply your foot even a tiny bit. Transmission doesnt seem to hesitate and slip between gears. Shifts firm, kind of clunky firm, but have not noticed any hard "thumpage" from the gear changes. They just do not seem as smooth as they should. My last 850 was manual so I am not sure how these transmissions behave. Reverse also seems to thump more than engaging Drive. Transmission Fluid looked fine, was raining so i didnt have time to check levels. It was clear and red, no smell. Wondering if it was recently changed or just is still fresh. I dont have maint. records though. Seems like clunkier shifting is at lower rpm and speed. Smoothest when there is 50-60%, and firm any higher, not as "clunky" The car is stock except for a K&N filter. This is also my first automatic so it makes it hard to compare..

Post by **jblackburn** » 30 Jan 2013, 20:29

Welcome to MVS.

Clunky shifting is likely a collapsed front engine mount or transmission buckle mount.

Not sure about the sound if it's only within 5 mph. Goes away entirely after that?

lk250f · Post by **lk250f** » 30 Jan 2013, 20:43

Yes, it quits around 40MPH and do not hear anything, but the noisy tires... This noise occurs though only with throttle engaged. Thank you!

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 31 Jan 2013, 06:00

Mine had that whine as well and was fixed under warranty when I bought it. There was a TSB that called for the installation of a damper on the LHS driveshaft.
http://www.automd.com/tsb/bulletin_b49953/
It's some sort of vibration damper that clamps around the shaft.
It fixed the problem for a few years but came back again but usually only noticeable in warm to hot weather.
Interestingly since I have had new front discs, calipers and pads installed at Xmas the noise has once again diminished considerably.

Valvster

lk250f · Post by **lk250f** » 31 Jan 2013, 08:17

Thank you. Any more info on the tsb? Or should I call my local volvo dealer to find out more. I can't seem to find much about it. Thanks. Did yours stop flyer a certain mph and when there was no gas applied?

valvster · Post by **valvster** » 31 Jan 2013, 15:42

Have a look on the left side drivers shaft and see if there is anything clamped around it between the wheel and the support bearing, the device may have been fitted already and it may be another problem.
Mine was more of a transmission whine rather than whirring and was most noticeable around 30-35mph and would disappear arond 40-45mph. I have often thought it was tyre noise related as I had some directional Bridgestone tyres on it for about 6years but changed to a quieter Toyo tyre and it made no difference. I had the damper fitted in about 2002 after reading about the TSB in an online edition of "Popular Mechanics". I may have a print out of the TSB in some of my old records but the Volvo dealer should be able to help.

Valvster

lk250f · Post by **lk250f** » 31 Jan 2013, 18:32

valvster wrote:Have a look on the left side drivers shaft and see if there is anything clamped around it between the wheel and the support bearing, the device may have been fitted already and it may be another problem.
Mine was more of a transmission whine rather than whirring and was most noticeable around 30-35mph and would disappear arond 40-45mph. I have often thought it was tyre noise related as I had some directional Bridgestone tyres on it for about 6years but changed to a quieter Toyo tyre and it made no difference. I had the damper fitted in about 2002 after reading about the TSB in an online edition of "Popular Mechanics". I may have a print out of the TSB in some of my old records but the Volvo dealer should be able to help.

Valvster

I work on Toyota's and they have exactly what i believe this TSB is trying to described. Just a Rubber hollow cylinder with a crimp clamp. This is a whine like, lesser aggressive dog box transmission whine but not as audible. My tires are noisy which make it less noticeable. But it is definitely the issue you described. It disappears at about 43 mph, doesnt matter which gear. When there is no throttle applied it is silent. Even the slightest acceleration with trigger the noise. I tried at the Volvo dealer near me but they did not know anything. I have to replace my leaky Inner CV boot on the left side anyway. So while I am in there I will us a universal rubber damper or one from toyota which may fit. Any idea of the diameter of the axle shaft? I guess I can just guess by looking. I was busy today so I should have time to look at it tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

I believe the Trans or engine mounts are going bad as well as you said, jblackburn. The clunkyness is definitely evident. I will have to inspect..