My daughter is getting ready to sell her 2010 C30 (113k miles on it), but it suddenly started to act up with the steering. I started it up this morning and let it warm up (it's about 40 deg. out) and then proceeded to back it up to turn it around. When I turned the steering wheel to the right, I could feel something click with my left foot on the floor. I tried several times and it repeated every time. Once I drove away (not far!) I didn't notice it anymore, but when I returned to the driveway I noticed it again at the very slow speed of parking the car. Turning the wheel to the right was the problem, not left. She had gone to see her mechanic before leaving the car here, and they said nothing was wrong but didn't even put it on the lift. Could it be something dangerous like a wheel bearing, or am I over-cautious? (BTW - I love your website!!) Thanks for any advice!

There was also an "issue" with the axle bolt in some of these cars. It's perfectly safe, but it "pings" sometimes. There is a rubber grommet that fits between the axle bolt's washer and the end of the drive shaft. I had this problem and this cheap part fixed it once and for good...

https://www.ipdusa.com/techtips/10185/Axle-Ping-Yeah-its-a-Thing-Here-are-some-potential-solutions
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I'm stuck on Volvo and Volvo's stuck on me....when it comes to FWD I always listen to the "Oracle of Minnesota'

Hi Laurie, to clarify, is this noise happening while turning the steering wheel, or while turning right at low speeds? If the former, it could be as simple as a floormat in the way of the steering shaft. Worth poking your head down there. If the latter, then I would inspect driveshaft CV joints as suggested.

Best of luck,
Will
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XC60 / Odyssey

Hello Will, the "noise" or vibration that I can feel with my left foot happens when turning the steering wheel to the right. I took out the floor mat just to be sure and it's not that. But that was a good thought - wish it were that simple and cheap! I probably shouldn't have called it a noise, though. :-) Thanks!

If it clicks when you are turning the steering wheel, it might be a universal joint in the steering system.

I think that there is one down quite low in the engine compartment where it might be subjected to the elements.

I would spray it with some silicon lubricant. ( I always use one listed as safe for plastics - silicon spray will not harm plastic, but some propellants will )

After spraying it ride in an empty parking lot turning the steering both ways to work the lubricant in.

Some would advise that you use WD40, but some of that has no lubricant in it unless it states that on the label.

Silicon spray is useful for lots of stuff, like wiping down the rubber seals on your doors.

Thank you for taking your time to answer. Silicon spray sounds a lot better than steering rack, which is what an old friend suggested late yesterday afternoon. We will definitely try this option before getting into some expensive repair. J. Walker's response suggested CV joint and even that sounds better than steering rack. (Thank you, J. Walker!) First the spray, then a good mechanic, I guess! I think we even have some spray we used on the snowblower this winter. Thanks again!

Clicking could mean a noisy CV joint. Have someone check the CV joint rubber boots on the noisy side for damage. When they get old the CV joint rubber boots can tear and the CV Joint grease can leak out. Without this grease the actual CV joint isn’t getting any lubrication hence the clicking.
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Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....