It's been a while since I last posted, because I've been trying to work with the dealer (Putnam Volvo, Burlingame, CA) in finding and solving the cause of the REAR "clunking" noise, which occurs at slow to moderate speed (i.e. in the city) on both smooth and bumpy surfaces.

Since leasing the car 4/00, it's been to the dealer four separate times for this same problem (along with other issues, like the front bushing which required the "O-ring fix; replacing a defective throttle module, etc.).

They've done everything, from telling me that the rear tire pressure was 40psi instead of 39psi (yeah, right,THAT's causing a clunk), to adjusting the entire suspension; doing a REAR O-ring fix. The latest "fix" occurred 2 weeks ago, when the Volvo rep came and experienced the clunk himself. He stated he knew the cause. The "fix" was to replace both right and left rear sway bar link rods. Two days later, we get the car back, and they tell us "the clunk is gone".

Well, the clunk took a 10-day vacation, and then reared its ugly noise 2 days ago. Oh no, here we go again!

We've had it with this car. We're paying a premium rental fee (3 yr lease) for a less than premium vehicle.

Has anyone out there invoked the Calif. Lemon Law? Does it work? How long does it take? Is it expensive?

Any other suggestions would be welcomed.

We've been loyal Volvo customers since 1983, so this is not an easy decision to make.

VCNA is worthless. A certified letter was sent to VCNA in August explaining our problem, but they never even showed us the courtesy of a response.

Thank you.

'83 245DL;'86 745 Turbo; '97 850 GLT