Volvo Repair: 2003 Volvo S60 AWD, volvo s60 awd, volvo service

Question
Hi Roger,

In the past 6 months, there have been 3 times where there was heavy rain & lots of water on the road that have caused my car to start thumping and then squealing.  The thumping sounds similar to hearing a helicoper coming over head (in terms of the tempo).  The squealing sounds more like metal on metal.  I believe that it is coming from the left front end (when facing the car).  

This past time it occurred, I pulled off the road and waited a couple of minutes.  Then, I was able to drive without the noise occuring.  (In this particular case, I was following another friend in his car.  He thought it sounded like an alarm sounding as he pulled up past me.)  

When this happens, the car doesn't feel like it's pulling in any direction.  Meaning, it seems to handle the same.  I took it to my Volvo technician and they were unable to find any problems with the car.  

I don't know if this is at all related... when there's a ton of rain, I'll have standing water in the front passenger's floor board.  (This is the same side as I think the noise may be coming from.)

Would you have any suggestions?


Answer
Well, if you have less than 50k miles on it then that is the dealers problem.  With any noise problem, it is hard to diagnose something without seeing the car.  I think the windshield is leaking as well.  This is a legitimate complaint that the dealer needs to fix.  If not, call the 800 hotline for Volvo service.  Roger