New to XC70 noise query ?

[Hugomulligan]

Hi all, had my 2008 XC70 for just over a month now and very happy with it all round, getting 30+ Mpg, about a week ago I noticed a unusual noise, faint rumbling from front somewhere? I jacked it up and there's no play in the wheels ie bearings, it's had new discs and pads less than 10k ago, I have notice a little steering vibration above 40 but not serious, so next thought is wheel balancing/alignment unless one of you knowledgable souls could shed any light on this ?
Cheers
Tim.

[Model flyer]

Hi is the rumbling noise when driven over rough surfaces? If it is then it's more than likely the front shocks or drop links. Check drop links first ,if ok then suspect the shocks . They will probably pass a bounce test but are noisy over small bumps or uneven surfaces.

[Hugomulligan]

Hi, thanks for reply, noise is in smooth roads, not gearbox though, as I've put into N and I could still hear it.
Cheers
Tim

[Hugomulligan]

Hi All,
Took it to local tyre place, used it for over 10yrs, I had 1 new tyre fitted, and all balanced and checked, alignment checked, no more steering wheel judder, but still got the rumbling sound, they checked the bearings and said that there is no play in them, I've go through loads of forum pages and it seem this is quite a common issue on XC60 & 70's and there doesn't seem like there is a definite answer, I'm sure i can just turn the radio up and try to ignore it, but I'm a bit OCD about strange noises in cars !!!

ideas anyone please
cheers
Tim

[Model flyer]

Hi is it definitely associated to road surface/speed ? Could the noise be the diesel engine sound/rumble ? My v70 engine is quite noisy in the cabin around town but is very quiet when up to speed . My car did become very noisy ,road noise, a year or so ago and a tyre change sorted that. Also the front shocks as already mentioned in my earlier post made the ride very noisy over light bumps sounding like a rumble. Very difficult to identify without hearing it first hand. Hope you get it sorted as turning up the radio isn't an option for me either.

[pierremcalpine]

I'm still inclined to think wheel bearing. I replaced a rear wheel bearing on mine and there was a definite hum but absolutely no play. Is there any way of getting a mechanic's stethoscope in there while the wheel is turned?

if you are going along at 50mph and you let go of the gas and put into neutral does it still make the sound? Does the sound become louder if you turn one way or the other?

[Hugomulligan]

Originally Posted by pierremcalpine

I'm still inclined to think wheel bearing. I replaced a rear wheel bearing on mine and there was a definite hum but absolutely no play. Is there any way of getting a mechanic's stethoscope in there while the wheel is turned?

if you are going along at 50mph and you let go of the gas and put into neutral does it still make the sound? Does the sound become louder if you turn one way or the other?

Hi, put into N and its still happening, so not gearbox, and yes it gets louder when turning, I still am thinking wheel bearing, but no play in wheels
Thanks your help
Tim

[MikeBJ]

I've had this on my last Audi - like wind noise. No play, no rumble, nothing. Took a punt on which bearing to change - problem solved.

[Joe H]

Originally Posted by MikeBJ

Took a punt on which bearing to change - problem solved.

Bearings can defnitely grumble even though there is no play.
If you don't have a stethoscope I have been told that if you spin a wheel (jacked up of course) you will be able to feel any roughness by placing a hand on the coil spring. No personal experience but worth trying.

I have twice on other cars had this kind of noise and on both occasions it was traced to the tyres. Both only half worn and looked fine. Although yours have been checked it will be worth swapping front - to - back to rule out completely.

oe