[jthom]

Hi all,

I have a rattling noise that emits from the front end passenger side of the car over rough surfaces, potholes, etc. It sounds like a rock is rattling around in a tight space or a loose bolt or something. Absolutely no noise on smooth roads.

I have replaced everything. Bilstein B6 front struts, rear Sachs shocks (bilstein doesn't make rear shocks for this version of Volvo), strut mounts, sway bar, sway bar end links, subframe bushings, brakes/calipers/rotors, upper engine and transmission mounts, passenger side CV axle (literally cracked on me one day), Michelin Pilot Sport tires on OEM R wheels. Had the angle gear rebuilt, PCV, transmission bell plate resurfaced (transmission/engine mating surface grounding issue was causing VERY persistent cranking problems, lots of corrosion interfering with starting). The car is pushing 320,000 Kms.

Recently had an alignment done and the shop claimed they wouldn't proceed if the tie rods were bad. However, they said the tie rods were in good shape and aligned it with a Hunter machine. My car drives straight and planted as ever now. Corners and hugs the road like a dream. Almost no body roll and super precise, no wandering or anything. This "noise" doesn't seem to be affecting anything other than my sanity, I cannot link it to any performance related issues.

I am starting to think it's something attached to/near the engine wall as my indy Volvo mechanics have replaced most of my worn front end components/have spent countless hours underneath my car. Anyone have any ideas? It is 110% coming from the front end passenger side

 

[Donn]

I was chasing an annoying rattle last summer when I found out the previous owner put rear caliper spring clips on the front and back. The front caliper clips are flatter and have two rubber bumpers on them. My rattle went away when I replaced the two front clips w/ the proper ones.

 

[AaronRK]

My god this sounds exactly like my car, changed quite a few suspension parts but I can’t find anything. Everything feels tight and it also had an alignment where they said all looks good. I’m keeping an eye on this for things to check!

 

[NTXC]

I know it sounds stupid, but from experience…got anything loose in the drains from the windshield? I’ve lost a socket or two only to find it in the drain causing what otherwise sounded like a real problem.

If nothing is there, at least get the crud out of those drains.

 

[jthom]

Brake retainer clips are correct ones! Wish that was the problem haha. I’ll check the windshield drains