hello. I am new to this board. A friend of mine told me about it. I own a 1988 volvo 240 gl station wagon. The car broke down today. I thought it was the transimission that went because lately it has been having some troubles getting into the 2nd and 3rd gear. The car would go up to 3.5 and 4 rpms before it would kick in to the gear. I would most of the time have to let up on the gas to help it get into the gear.

I was moving some stuff from my old house to new one when I heard a loud pop and then smelled smoke. I drove for about a mile or so before I felt the car shacking. I got out and I could see smoke coming from the drive train. I called AAA and had it towed to my new house.

Before the poping sound. I kept on hearing some really weird noses coming from the car. The tow truck drive thinks it might something in my rear wheel drive. I did have a blow out just recently on a road trip. I was driving about 80 mph when the back tire went out. I made it off the road fine. I change the spare and kept on going.

I did just do a 3,000 mile trip with the car too. I am not sure what to do. I will have the car looked at in a few days. I just wanted to see if anyone had some insight on what might be wrong. I hope this makes sense. I will check this in a few hours. I hear that people are quick with their response on this board. any help would be appreciate.

I hope that I don't have to change the transmission. I just recently purchased this car. It has 245,000 miles on it. I am hoping if it is something with the rear wheel drive, then I can salvage my investment.

thanks alot
michael