XC70: Suspension Hissing Over Speed Bumps

[Puffster]

No - not my partner sucking in her teeth as we go over but there seems to be a slight "hiss" when I hit a speed bump and the wheel compresses then a "hiss" again as I go over the other side and it compresses again. Not massively loud and the car seems to handle ok - well it wallows around corners but then I don't expect it to be racecar brilliant.

Any ideas or experience?

[SwissXC90]

shock absorber leaking
air suspension leaking

[37 RUBY]

...yes I have the same.

It is on the front only.
Noise lessens with ambient temperature.
I can only hear it with the window open.
Shock absorbers are not leaking.

Dealer had it in and tell me nothing wrong and that they will not be changed under warranty but then again this is the same firm that when I ring up to book my my car in I then get a follow up call before I even get there asking how was my visit.

I think it could be the viscosity of the oil in the shock absorbers which is perhaps allowing oil to stream through rebound valves quickly which creates the noise you describe as hissing.

This car does not have sharp handling. It is a straight line load lugging missile but I do agree that the shocks shouldnt really be that noisy.

If your car is still under warranty it would be good to know if you manage to get the issue resolved.

[Puffster]

Thank you. Unfortunately no way is my car under warranty, so I would have to suck it.

The handling is certainly leery sometimes and I'm trying to remember if my old XC70 (MY2005 D5) was the same but inclined to think it was better. Unfortunately there's a 5 year gap in which I've been driving a RRS which has amazing roadholding for 2.7 tonnes.

Its the sudden direction changes on the XC that are a bit alarming, almost floaty and the steering is light but firms up once you get into the corner. Seemingly reasonable grip for going around roundabouts but straighten up and again steering takes a bit of "getting it right". Loads of torque steer too if powering out of low speed roundabouts. Perhaps its a case of getting used to it again but I'm mindful its ex-police and although maintained well and regularly, may also have been abused somewhat in its life.

It doesn't seem that the shock/hiss is aggravating anything but good to know what it is or might be.

[Tatsfield]

Puffster, I'm interested in this thread to know if there might be problems ahead for me and my 2012 XC70 but you don't say anywhere about what car you are talking. Perhaps putting your car spec in your signature, as many including myself do, so that it displayed every time you posted would help others benefit from your problem and solution, hopefully should you find one.

[Puffster]

How about now?

[Tatsfield]

Hmm, your problem might become mine if the 2011 and 2012 models have the same suspension system.

[pierremcalpine]

I've got the same noise on my 2010 V70 which interestingly has new shocks as of 2 seasons ago. I was convinced it was the shocks and was disappointed to hear that the noise was still around post-replacement. I've given up on finding the source of the noise. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be getting any louder/longer...