Hi All ! I just had the fuel pump relay problem of no start resolved thanks to the information here. I am very appreciative!

THa was last week. About 3 days ago, I firt heard a brief (over & done)metallic scrape type noise as I was driving down the road. Didnt run over anything & thought it odd.

LAter I heard a repeated scraping metallic noise as I drove... re minded me of when you run a piece of wood thru a circular table saw ! THis was un-nerving!

I missed the one turn & had to do a U-turn. WHen I did that, I dropped the right front tire off the @ 2 1/2" blacktop onto the lower shoulder of the road. After that ... the noise ceased! Am clue-less.

A week or so ago, we had torrential rains here & I drive unscpectedly thru about a foot of runing water at the bottom of a hill when turning to go up a street.

I wondered then if my wheel bearings could cause a problem later on, like tis... NOt sure if it has.

I arrived at tthe repair shop I was told my brake pads were fine. I thought maybe the caliper was not retracting aenought to make this noise. Guess not. Brakes work fine. The engine idles normalluy. Nothing differnt except theis noise.

I have not experienced this kind of noise in any of my VOlvo's (DL's ).

When I was told no one could hear the noise when I turned 360 degrees in the parking lot & I was hearing the noise then.I drove in both directions in a 360 degree circle.

1. Could the wheel bearings do this??

2. My carrier bearing has had play in it since 113,00 miles. I am at 178,000 miles now... can this cause such a noise? I bought this Volvo used at 84,00o miles. Have not replaced that or u-jts., yet.

3. COuld the power steering d this.THe fluid level is OK.

4. OR could the steering rack have a problem?> I know there are many seals in it. Could the outer seal be leaking but not show in the reservoir?

5. What else??