On take off my 850's front end pops and creaks like something is flexing back and forth. This only happens when accelerating from no or low speed. It sems to be rotationally related, and also seems to be associate d with releasing the brakes. I have replaced the front pads with OEM pads in the last 3000 miles. This sound occurs whether the car is pointed forward or in a turn. It always comes from in front of the driver and just below on both sides, but mostly the left. I have suspected the upper motor mount, but mine is not cracked or split. I have had the front end checked and it apears to be solid with no play in the drive axles, CV joints, transaxle, or struts. I have inspected the A-arm bushings and sprayed them with silicon lubricant thinking these were the source of the problem. The struts are the originals. There is no front end play or drift, and the car tracks down the road fine. This is driving me nuts, and it is getting worse. Atleast my A/C evaporator is solid and working well. In all other aspects the car is fine and runs well.

I am becoming envious of other owners who are doing mods and improving performance and speed of their 850's. Mine has 86K on it and sounds like it has arthritis and about to fall apart in the front. When I bought this car 4 months ago, I extolled the virtues of Volvo craftmanship and durability to several skeptics. Now I am embarassed to have anyone with me when I drive it. BTW I also have aan '87 240 which runs and drives great. I am no stranger to Volvo problems and working on my cars.

HELP!