My 99 S70 base model 5-speed has developed a new sound. There is a distinct metallic ping that sounds almost like a bell when the clutch is let out and transmission takes a load. Especially audible in first and second gear when revs are low. The car has about 130K on it and the transmission was replaced under warranty at about 85K. Since they had it all apart then I had them do the clutch too...though it didn't seem to need it.

Any ideas?

Axle ping?

Read here:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=57371

Thanks for the lead...but sounds like a different issue. I have a sinking feeling that this is some kind of u-joint or coupling within the transmission. I had it into an indie shop for brakes and a tunep recently and the mechanic heard it but had no idea other than that it seemed to be inside the transmission and that I should just ignore it. I'd be willing to ignore it if it didn't seem to be getting more frequent in a hurry.

Thanks and oh well.

Diagnosing Clutch problems:
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic100237.htm

Diagnosing Trans and Clutch problem
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic20428.htm

Under "MANUAL TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS"
"If you hear growling or grinding noises when the clutch is engaged, the cause is the transmission input shaft bearing".

This is why every time a clutch job is performed (usually at 70-80K miles +); competent mechanic would ALSO do these:

- (clutch job)
- resurface flywheel
- Replace CRANKSHAFT seal
- trans seals x 3 (N/A in your case): input, output, selector fork.
- replace throw-out bearing aka pilot bearing
- Trans Input Shaft Bearing is not the same as pilot bearing

I suspect the manul trans needs a diagnosis again.
Just look at a typical diagram of a manual trans FYI so you are fimiliar with these terms.

DID YOU CHECK YOUR MANUAL TRANS OIL LEVEL???

This is because no one wants to go back in there 20-30K later.

HTH

cn
98v70

Turns out to be a little less involved. A local repairman immediately identified the ping sound as a small amount of play in the axle ends. He said it was a very simple repair that basically requires only some metal adhesive. Apparently, in time, the original adhesive used by Volvo wears and permits enough play for the ping to occur.

Thanks for the advice otherwise.

Jeff

And be sure the car sits undisturbed for at least 8 hours to let the glue cure.

:-)