Howdy all. I work at an Auto store (Schuck's) in Portland, Oregon (home to many many awesome volvos of various types) and none of the experts there have any clue what's wrong with my '83 242 with 140K miles on it, and a manual transmission. I just drove the car all the way across the US and it performed PERFECTLY! However, once here I began hearing a noise from the rear of the car. It sounds like a deep metallic grinding noise that begins once the car has been driven about a mile or so and continues to make noise while I'm driving. The noise is in direct relation to the speed I'm driving (i.e. quiet at low speed, REAL LOUD at fast speed) and continues regardless of the brakes. It sounds as though it's grinding against my rotor, but I don't think it is.

So I drove my car to work to have a co-worker listen. First thing, he had me hold the brake and let out the clutch until the car almost stalled and it made a "clunk" from the rear-driver side. He said I was done for and that my differential was gone. However, we then drove the car for 30 minutes: slow, fast, in tight, tight corners, brakes, no brakes... and NO NOISE AT ALL!!! So it turns out that I can drive the car and whenever it makes the noise, all I have to do is hold the brake, let out the clutch until it stalls... and all is well for a good 10 miles.

I've checked my brake pads, my differential fluid, my transmission fluid. I've done a little shaking of various joints under the car... and I don't know what else to check.

Any clues???

Bearings? Brake Caliper? Joints?

Thanks for all your help in advance!!!

LONG LIVE THE BRICK!!!