Front Suspension Wheel Bearing Problems of Volvo V70

When we brought our 2003 Volvo xc V70 wagon into the dealer at 62,000 miles we complained about a loud whirring noise as we drove it. We were told that the technician was unable to repeat it and not to worry. When we brought it back at 69,000 for an oil change we were told there was a loud whirring noise that meant we needed a wheel bearing replaced. So we made another appointment to have that changed. To make a long story short, at that visit we were told to have each wheel bearing replaced and we were told the angle gear was stripped and also needed to be replaced. I had to have the wheel bearing replaced on my old Mazda 323 when it had about 70,000 miles on it so I know it is a big deal. How can it be that we needed all 4 wheel bearings replaced at the same time? how did they miss it at the earlier checkup? were the wheel bearings the reason we needed the angle gear replaced as well? is this a common problem with these Volvos xc wagons? this was very expensive, should we have to pay all the costs?.

See all problems of the 2003 Volvo V70 🔎.

The four bolts holding the left front hub/bearing assy to the suspension loosened and backed out. The initial symptom was similar to a warped brake rotor - pulsing during light braking. However, as the bolts continued to back out, one bolt fell out entirely, two became loose, and the last bolt jammed into the rotating front axle. The direction of rotation of the front axle was such that it caused the bolt to back out further and jam against the axle causing binding and grinding a significant portion of the bolt head off. If this had happened at speed - say 55-60 on the DC beltway during rush hour traffic, results could have been disastrous. Further, it appears that failure of these bolts can caust the entire front wheel and hub assembly including the brake rotor and caliper to separate from the vehicle. Volvo replaced all four bolts on both the left and right front hub assys under warrantee, howevger, there is not recall or tech bulletin on this problem - even though Volvo is on the third generation of bolt design for this problem!! I should note that these same bolts and the same design are used on all p26 platform cars (s80, s60, and the 2001 and newer V70 models). Failure of the bolts on the left side can cause severe steereing pull to the left when the bolt jams against the drive axle. The problem on the right side is similar except that the bolts will not jam the axle due to the direction of rotation. Contact steve seekins at 703-418-8651, sseekins@anteon. Com (husband) for further info. Can provide VIN later.

See all problems of the 2001 Volvo V70 🔎.