I have a carefully maintained 850 AWD wagon with 168,000 km. I've been noticing increasing drive train noise, growling at low spped and a distinct rhythmic whime at 120 km/hr.

There is also an intermittent shudder that occurs when reversing and turning out of a driveway. The sensation is of something binding and releasing. This spring I had to replace the transmission and transfer case due to the splines on the connecting shaft having stripped.(I haven't been able to demonstrate the problem to the dealership's service manager, of course. The problem can vanish for weeks at a time.)No collision damage ever.

I recently received a recall notice from Volvo to replace the rear control arms, which are apparently susceptible to cracking on some vehicles, and wonder if it could be related.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with ideas on these problems.

Thanks