Volvo: 1997 Volvo 960, shaft bearings, 1997 volvo 960

Question
Hey Ray, My question has multiple parts none as severe as the last.  1)I was having issues with my tires needing to be replaced almost yearly and a little bit of shimmy when driving which I assumed was why my tires were wearing so fast, but when I took it into a Volvo mechanic they found nothing.  I did have my timing belt replaced and the bushings? on the front end. 2)My AC will go through spurts where it stops blowing and then will start again. lately it has not been cold and is having more episodes of nonblowing. 3)Yesterday I was driving along and heard a kuPlunk and thought I blew a tire, the noise did get a little worse as I slowed, but when I pulled over nothing.  So I drove on a little further and heard and felt the same almost like parts were being jacked up together.  Pulled over to see if I was dragging something or something caught in wheel well. Nothing. I was able to drive probably two more miles without hearing anything, got home and reversed into my drive way same noise.  My car just rolled over 143,000 and regular service has not really been done because I cant find a good mechanic, but I make sure fluids are right and changes are done and tire pressure is checked. The person that owned the car previously bought it new and did all the recommended services at the appropriate times.  I got the car at 85,00 miles and have had no luck diagnosing the shimmy.  The Ac was recharged, but no luck as to why it stops blowing intermitantly. And this last problem universal joint, drive shaft, bearings, I dont know can you please help me?  I want to be a good car owner, but mechanics dont really seem to listen when I describe problems. THank you so much for your time.

Answer
Kathleen,
First find a good shop and one that works on Volvos. They know the ins and outs of the car.
My guess on the tires/wheels is that one is out of round. There are wheel repair places that can straighten them. Perhaps a different brand of tires will last longer. Have the front end aligned after getting new tires.
When a blower motor goes bad sometimes it works for a short time and then quits and maybe restarts.
The mystery noise will have to traced out with a test drive.
I do not know what the question is on the u joints and the drive shaft bearings. You REALLY need a shop that has a good Volvo tech, find one it will be worth it if you want to keep your car in good shape.