Scraping/Squeaking sound from F/N/ Suspension
 

Over the last week or so my 2007 XC90 D5 has started making quite a loud dry scraping/squeaking noise from the front nearside suspension, evident when going over bumps.

At first I thought that maybe a small section of the coil spring had snapped off the end but nothing is apparent and curiously after about 3 or 4 miles the noise goes for the rest of the day but will be present the next morning.

Both control arms were changed in February so hopefully these can be discounted.

I'm certain that it is from the strut assembly and wondering if the top bearing may be the issue but why would the noise stop after a short while..

Very strange:confused_smile:

ARB bushes

Thanks I'll check them out.

Weird the way it goes after a few miles.

Squeaky time up north.
 

Does it stop if you drive through a decent puddle D ?

Regards,Keith.

Not had the opportunity to try that yet Keith.

What are you thinking?

Audi A8 squeak when moving off first thing in the morning and after a couple of miles all quiet and that's been attributed to ARB bushes. Unfortunately the bushes aren't available seperately so an entire new ARB is required to cure the noise

Failed strut top mounts (top spring seat - not bearing) is the most likely cause - does one of them sit higher when you look under the bonnet?

If it is - get the Volvo original to replace it as most pattern parts are sh*te....

Thanks, I'll check.:teeth_smile:

Morning D, wondering, if bushes,the water would temporarily quieten them?

Regards,Keith.

Right, I can see that now Keith and again I will take note next time it rains.

I know for a fact that when I go out in it today it will make the noise and then will be quiet for the rest of the day once I've done a few miles.:confused_smile:

Hi Tannaton, here are the strut tops from under the bonnet.

They both look exactly the same and certainly no discernible difference in terms of one sitting higher than the other.

On my last XC70, when the strut mounts went on that the tops were sitting much higher than these on my xc90.

They do look okay actually -you could try spraying some oil or WD40 under the "top hat" to see if it makes any difference?

If not then I would suggest ARB links. You can diagnose these by removing them one at a time and then driving the car...

Not recommended spraying WD40 on anything rubber...

Hi, I had exactly the same problem as you and same symptoms. My 185 has done 260k so always expecting to replace everything. Only six months previous had lower arms replaced and was convinced after reading many a thread that it must be the drop links or top strut mounts. So went back to my independent (Romar Milton Keynes, amazing place) with some replacement drop links in hand. Well after he went through the car was in for swirl flap limp mode vacuum issues reported back for a car of this milage all chassis parts were still perfect condition. He had found that the exhaust back box mount was loose sorted that out and f--k me after months of scraping crunching banging noise had gone. The noise was travelling down the chassis and sounded as driving coming from the front offside wheel well. I was convinced it was chassis so my advice check underneath for all loose bolt on parts.

Just a FINAL update on this, my symptoms got worse ( knocking ) and this morning I finally removed the nearside front strut and replaced the top strut bearing and the rubber spring seat ( Volvo ) which were obviously tired and worn.


Not a bad job at all to do and seeing as I had a pair of new drop links I fitted these as well.


The car is as quiet as a lamb now so worth the effort.


The problem was definitely top mounts and not the drop link.

Thanks to all of those that offered advice. Much appreciated:teeth_smile: