I have a whining sound from my car as well. two in fact. One is very noticeable when I turn on the AC. It's most likely the AC clutch bearing. It's a loud whine. I also have a smaller whine, but that one is constant. I bought 3 bearings replace the ones in the two idlers and one for the tensioner. I've yet to replace them, but I feel as though that's what it is. At first I thought it was the power steering, but I feel no change or had any instances where the steering felt any different.

The 4 bearings I bought were about $30 total. If you have a small press, you can easily replace all 4 and go from there

 

Bad idler pulley is a common source of whining noise, especially if it rises and falls with rpm. A relatively cheap repair.

 

good insight, when I first started hearing this I did check the PS fluid and it was down a little - topping it off did quiet the whine down (but never went away). Regardless of fluid level it still whines.

 

Since we're on the subject of whines, is this a whine that's present on idle or all the time? My V8 as well as I think all of the V8's I've listened to on youtube seem to have the characteristic whine/whistle at idle but that seems to disappear if you rev it. Fades back in as the engine speed settles below I'd say 1000 RPM.

Until recently I've thought it's just the way the car sounds but according to a guy on a swedish volvo forum, who's had three V8's (AFAIK all were bought factory new) says he's never heard that whine/whistle and never had it on any of his cars.

So, does anyone know which whistle I'm talking about and do you know where it comes from?

 

I know the whistle you're talking about but I'm pretty sure that's normal. Every s80 v8 I've ever heard on YouTube or in person makes that exact same noise.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

whining noise came from my 08 steering pump.had it replaced and got rid of the noise.it had been a recall (service bulletin)on the steering pump also.

 

Did they cover it because it was a recall? or did they still charge you?

 

It should be covered by warranty anyways

 

2008 Volvo S80 Steering Service Bulletin 328339

Action Number: 10043546
Service Bulletin Number: 328339
Report Date: Jan 24, 2012
Component: Steering
Summary: Stron whining noise from power steering pump while moving the steering wheel. *kb

 

So how does this work? Do I mention the service bulletin at the dealer and then they take care of it? Just found the 07 bulletin, the same as the 08..

 

Can you post the bulliten number? I have the same problem with my 07.

 

And from what I've read, a technical service bulletin will be the owners responsibility as it's not a recall. If you've had a dealer maintained car and have a good relationship with them you might get a deal... here's the 07 bulletin

2007 Volvo S80 Steering Service Bulletin 328338
Action Number: 10043546
Service Bulletin Number: 328338
Report Date: Jan 24, 2012
Component: Steering

Summary: Stron whining noise from power steering pump while moving the steering wheel. *kb

 

Are PS pumps for these V8's really 400-500 bucks? Poking around the web I couldn't really find any aftermarket parts, Autozone says they have one that fits but I'm skeptical - doesn't look right at all...

If I replace this with a Volvo part wouldn't the same problem still occur?

 

Now that the cold weather has come upon us here in the Mid Atlantic states. That damned PS whine is back. Anyone ever get this fixed. Steering assist is normal and PS fluid level is near the full mark.

 

Mine would whine until the car warmed up last year. Ended up replacing a fractured o-ring in the pump and that fixed it. I believe I replaced the intake and output o-rings at the pump. to be safe. They don't sell them at the dealer so I matched them at Home Depot. I can get the size I used if anyone else want's to try. Was a hassle trying to get the hoses out from what I remember.

 

Thanks for the info. I have the car booked this week at the dealer, will pass this info to them.