Volvo Repair: Volvo Front End Noise and Odometer, inner tie rod, odometer

Question
Two questions: a.  There is a groaning sound (like something needs oiling) from the front end especially when starting up. The shocks are ok, but when I push down the right front end, it makes that groaning sound like a spring.  
b.  My odometer has stopped after I pressed to clear the lower distance meter.  Is there any way I can check it out myself?  The mechanic said it would cost a couple hundred just to open the panel and check it out.
Thanks

Answer
you did not mention a year or model ok the car you have.I am guessing it is a 850 due to the odometer going bad.the problem with the odometer is the odometer its self which is about 270 dollars.the noise could be many things from swaybar link rods to the inner tie rod ends.it will need to be looked at to determine the location of the noise.

Rege