My 2002 volvo v70xc started picking up noise.
Couldn't tell where it was coming from. It ended up being the right front axle constant velocity joints were shot. Replaced, and it was fine for a few months. Now, the noise is back and getting louder, but this time it appears to be coming from the left. So, the other front axle is probably due for replacement. Now, 168,000 miles. I replaced the one axle myself. It was a lot of work, but parts were just $135 including shipping from an online parts supplier. Replaced the entire axle. Took 4 hours on jack stands in my driveway. Biggest problem was that I think the guy I purchased the car well used from, had replaced the struts with ones that were too long. I purchased the entire axle from buyautoparts.com. Their prices have been slowly dropping over time. Currently, that part is $122.75.
http://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/2...0-03443_N.html
Reading on forums, these front axle constant velocity joints wearing out and getting noisy is quite common on volvos with a lot of miles.
There are several very informative videos available on youtube such as:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f14N5Tl9Hk to give you an idea of what the level of work that is necessary to change one.
Hope that helps,
Barbershores