V70 - really irritating rattling noise!

a couple of people have requested a copy of the volvo SB regarding the rear seat lock noise fix, if you send me a pm with contact details/fax i will send, cheers andy

I recently had a knocking/rattling noise coming from the rear seat/load area of my 850 estate. It was traced to one of the rear shock absorber mountings. It was a heavy, hollow, clunking sound that resembled something like the jack clattering around in the spare wheel well. It was also very dependent on road surface conditions. I initially thought it was stuff I had stored under the floor panels bouncing up and hitting the underside of the panels. Then I thought it was the badly-secured main tailgate trim - which I of course "repaired" with the Volvo kit.. finally I stripped everything out of the rear of the car and, of course, it STILL made the noise.

It might be something completely different but it's worth investigating the shock mounts as your story has a certain deja vu quality to it.. and it only cost me £40-odd inc parts, labour and VAT to repair thankfully.

Now, however, my rear seats are squeaking! Add this latest nuisance to my door hinge problems and all the other little niggles I've had to contend with in the short time I've owned the 850 and I'm beginning to wonder if I should've just bought a nice, reliable 10 year old 960 estate to compliment my 940 saloon...?

[Al115]

I got someone to sit in the tailgate area while I went for a drive. Turned out that it was the tailgate itself making the noise... banging from side to side.

On inspection, the little plastic cylinder that fits onto the striker was pretty much destroyed, so I wrapped it in a few turns of insulating tape. Problem solved!

Thanks again for all your suggestions. Much appreciated.


Alastair