I have a 98 Volvo V70XC with 78K miles. I have begun to hear two strange noises:

1. On bumpy roads, a metallic rattle from front passenger side. In the area of the wheel.

2. When doing a u-turn (or other turns that put extra stress on all-wheel drive system), I hear a grumbling noise and can kind of feel it in the seat of my pants. This happens on dry pavement and wet pavement.

Any ideas? I assume #1 is the shock and #2 could be viscous coupling maintenance (or replacement?…yikes!!). Someone even suggested the grumbling noise is “normal” on an AWD car.

Otherwise this Volvo has been a wonderful car. I bought it used one year after my wife and I bought a used 98 S70. So we have a white S70 and a white V70...how retarded is that? Just goes to show how much we like ‘em I guess.

Thanks in advance. -Jas.

On item #2:

When you make the U-turn does the noise occur only when the
steering wheel is at full lock? That is, if you don't quite
turn the wheel all the way does the noise go away? A common
source of noise on U-turns are the bump stops on the suspension.
The A-arm has a nylon plate riveted to it and it needs a dab of
grease on it so it won't make that ugly grinding sound. I've
just learned not to turn the wheel quite all the way.

This site has photos of the part I'm talking about:

http://volvospeed.com/steerstops.htm

P.S. We have a dark blue 98 S70 and Dark green 95 855 so I
don't think it is odd, at all :)

My XC makes the noise even if the wheel is not at full lock. In fact, if I am making a right angle turn at speed, I will hear/feel the grumble.