My 1995 850 GLT wagon has 180,000 miles and I am suspecting that the transmission is starting to fail, but am wondering if it can be as simple as CV joints. Intermitantly, mostly while in a left hand corner, I will hear a ratcheting noise that sounds like it is from the transmission. I get no noises in parking lots with sharp turns that would be typical of CV joints. The only way that I have been able to force it to make the noise it to drive in a left hand circle in a parking lot, for a few laps. The ratcheting noise will continue even when I slip it into neutral and changes with the speed of the car, not the engine.

I have tried this with the TRACS on or off and it made no difference and the noise is slightly different than the ratcheting from when one wheel slips when the TRACS is on. I have also noticed that 1st gear has gotten a little more difficult to select - making me suspect the tranny.

Has anyone had similar problems or have any suggestions?