The sway bar link's are a very likely problem if you hear a clunking sound on bumps. Mine need replacing about every 30,000 Kmi dyue to the number of rough roads I encounter. The 1st tinme I had it done at a Volvo shop w their parts. I got about 30K before they started clunking again. Next time I bought them from FCP and had a generic shop install them. They were clunking again and since I was having tires done I had the guy look up the torque values on-line w/Mitchell I think. He toqued them to the proper value, clunking went away and they lasted about 30K mi. They're clunking again! (about 30Kmi.)
The groaning sound could possibly be the a Front MacPherson Strut bearing mount.
I bought one and I believe I top plate. Don't remember but it was two parts, not the whole strut assy. Had Indy shop put them in and align it and it's been fine ever since. I have another one creaking now and can't remember which side I replaced!
Good Luck,
Tom Heitzman
'96 965 w/206Kmi (25 yrs of 122s's,123's,145,245's, 745T's etc.)
The 965 is the best Volvo I've ever owned, a little pricier to maintain than a red-block perhaps but miles ahead in comfort/handling.
PS I've now re-discovered a great Volvo guy in Syracuse, NY. He'd left Alan Byer Volvo after many years and of course nobody there seemed to know where he was.
Should any of you be near Central NY and require a great, experienced and resonable guy I highly recommend Gabe's Auto in Syracuse,NY. 315 474-8700, he'll work on anything and won't bend you over like many Volvo dealers.