Knocking Noise! S80

[CHRISCOOPER22]

Hi All,

I have been browsing the forum for sometimes, but I need to ask a question and hopefully I can give back something in the long run!

My 2001 S80 has had a knocking noise for sometime, I have had a good look around underneath (I'm no mechanic, but have some understanding of things) as well as taking it to my local volvo guy and another generic garage to which they have yet to diagnose - it due to lack of finding anything loose and it behaving itself whilst at the garage/road test.

Just recently it has also developed a creaking noise when breaking and maneuvering at low speeds (which is more prevalent in reverse and when on full lock).

The only thing anyone has noticed is some very slight play in the Track rod ends (both my volvo guy and other mechanic agreed that they didn't warrant replacing) , however we couldn't replicate the noise when manipulating them. After bouncing around on the wing this evening with the bonnet up, I noticed some clicking in the upper strut mount on the right hand side. Could this be the cause of my frustrating noise.

Hopefully you guys can give some insight in to this, and moving forward hopefully I can return the favor.

[4candles]

Spring seats and bearing mount can give you noises, as can steering lock limiters which are bolted to the front of the wishbones.

The wishbone bushes can deteriorate, as can ARB drop links and the bar bushes.

The engine mountins can and do wear out, also the subframe bushes...

Basically you need it investigated. Consider seeking out an MOT station that has the Jiggle ramp which may assist in finding play or noise.

At 2001 vintage its a minefield, and expensive to do everything, and everthing can be worn!

Mileage?

[CHRISCOOPER22]

Sorry forgot to mention that I had replaced the ARB drop links - missed a critical bit of information!

Thanks for your suggestions I will go to to the garage and ask them to check things you mentioned - I have attempted to get it investigated however, unfortunately the garages keep coming back with nothing

Are they any tests that I can do to diagnose the parts you mentioned?

Thanks again!

[CHRISCOOPER22]

It is on 138k - I have looked after it too. It had a dealer FSH when I bought it two years ago - Which I have maintained via a local guy who specialises in Volvo.

[4candles]

Originally Posted by CHRISCOOPER22

Sorry forgot to mention that I had replaced the ARB drop links - missed a critical bit of information!

Thanks for your suggestions I will go to to the garage and ask them to check things you mentioned - I have attempted to get it investigated however, unfortunately the garages keep coming back with nothing

Are they any tests that I can do to diagnose the parts you mentioned?

Thanks again!

The subframe i would use a lever/eyes to see any diiscernable movement fore/aft/up/down,

The ARB bushes again a lever, these bushes are bonded to the bar, but delaminate, rust and quickly tear the bush apart....(kit available)

The wishone bushes, rearmost ones visual and lever, they soften/split with age, the forward one same, but if you stick it in 3rd/4th gear, handbrake off and look down through side of engine whilst rocking car back and forward you can easily tell the state of this bush...(heard it here)

Strut top bearing mount again check visually but if they make a noise replace them.

Bottom ball joints can groan with no play showing....(mine did)

Streering lock limiters on wishbones, will be obvious if they are worn badly, either renew or as some do, swap them to opposite side so the arm hits them on the un-worn section ( slight mod required IIRC).


Apart from any noises, does the car feel taught or wayward?
Does it feel like something is badly worn?

[SkintKnuckles]

Hi Chris,

in addition to the sage advice of 4C, which I'd give serious consideration to, you may also want to replace the drive shaft end bolts......if, and only if, the noise is coming from the front of the car rather than at the rear axle. If its not from the front, ignore the below.

You can get an almighty knocking/clicking/clunking under braking, setting off and at full lock turn manouevres if these bolts come loose, which they do (at least on S60s/V70s). All you need to do is pop off the volvo centre cap, take out the bolt there (a single bolt) and replace with a new stretch bolt. I dont know the part number for your car - any takers on this?

You can do this job in 5 mins, literally, and with the wheels etc in situ. The new bolts should be torque set with an angular tightening thereafter. I guess the latter will be model specific torque/angle settings. Oh, it only costs a couple of quid per bolt.

I cannot take credit for this, and its all covered in an excellent thread in this forum:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=37630

This thread also includes alternatives for the symptoms but I think 4C has this covered already.

I also took advice from the ever helpful Clan, a very experiencced forum member on here. I did this today, due to having the same symptoms you describe. It cured all but one knocking, so I was well pleased. I do hope its something simple and cheap like this. Personally, I'd try this first as its so quick and cheap, although the age/mileage of the car suggests other areas are worth looking at?

Good luck!
Neil

[bournricha]

I agree about the drive shaft bolts which to me seem a bit underweight on this model.I have had several v70 mk1s and instead of a little bolt with little torque, there used to be a big nut the size of the shaft which you did up to unbelievable torque probably over 220 nm .That seemed more in keeping with the importance of the fastening

[SkintKnuckles]

Hi Bournricha,

I agree about the torque setting for the Mk2's. Some time ago I had the these bolts replaced at a volvo dealer in Dublin (under warranty). However, when I removed the stretch bolts today the entire thread of both bolts were covered completely in copper grease (not loctite/threadlock). Consequently, I'm not at all satisfied that the bolts were ever, or in fact could be, set to the correct torque range. This is especially a concern when such a low torque is used, as its all too easy for them to loosen to the point of uselessness.

On this note, the right hand drive shaft bolt I was able to remove using finger pressure alone!!! Likely due to the grease preventing proper torque setting. Not surprising I had issues then, but it is worrying that such a simple job was done so badly at a Volvo dealer (in Dublin). This was the same dealership who did a major service of my car (under warranty), and then didn't actually do any of the work they'd charged for. Nice !!

cheers
Neil

[bournricha]

One good thing is that they are easily accessible so not a bad idea to check them occasionaly.Ithink from memory they start at 35 nm +90 degrees so they will end up at 60 nm?Say 50nm just to check the tightness .I don't think the shaft is capable of coming out though ,which is just as well since I am sure a lot are riding round fingertight !
I am not the least bit surprised about these dealerships .I have had a few cars with "full service history from dealer ",but FULL of faults .I take no account of FSH now .These stealers get by because they are generally dealing with nearly new cars which don't need much repair anyway!

[CHRISCOOPER22]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your advice. My apologies for not reply as yet - been literally working every hour since my post!

Replaced the offside wishbone yesterday. Bushes had loads play in, also got the tyres done all round today (the were all "JUST" legal) and my 14 year old S80 drives like a new car, without a knock or a creaking in ear shot!

It should be said that I'm convinced that 70% of the improvement I have noted has come from the new tyres. The car feels great!

Again thanks guys!

Chris.