Drivetrain slack on V50 D2

[lingus75]

Hi to everyone on this section from a first time Volvo owner.

I bought a really nice V50 D2 R design a month or so ago, and am generally well pleased with it. I have noticed a metallic clunk when depressing and releasing the clutch, and when the drivetrain picks up the slack when changing gear also, and its the same noise in both cases. The car is a 2010 manual with 48k on the clock, backed up with history, invoices and MOT's and has been well looked after.

I have searched online, and the general consensus is either; Driveshafts need to be 'pushed in' with new bolts, or a torque/engine mount. I have found a really good specialist (Fishers Volvo in Gloucester) and they said it could also be control arms as when they checked the car over, they were showing signs of wear.

In the threads I have read the control arms have not been mentioned as a fix, what seems to be a fairly common issue. In other cars I have had, problems with control arms have not resulted in clunking, more-so wayward and woolly handling.

If possible I would like to avoid another large motoring bill.

Any opinions from owners?

[wiliferus]

Stab in the dark but I had similar issues with an old Audi and it was a cheap gearbox mount. Everytime I engaged or disengaged the clutch, the ‘box was moving and clobbering something above it. Also felt like there was ‘slack’ in the drivetrain.

[DavidY]

Theres a lot of online comment about it being 'normal' with the D2, that said I have a very late model D2 (one of the cars being sold off as the V40 arrived), and its the same as yours V50 D2 R-Design manual and I don't have the issue, and my car is approaching 202,000 miles!!! Both of my front lower (control) arms were replaced about a year ago (approx 170k miles).

BTW my car is very original, I've owned it from new, and all that's been replaced other than normal service, are the two arms (170k), two steering gaiters(177k and 197k), a battery (194k) and DPF (194k). Touching wood its still running fine. I hope that you get the issued sorted and have many years of Volvo motoring!!

[lingus75]

Update for anyone else who has this issue.

Although I still have a barely audible noise, most of it has now gone for the grand total repair cost of £3.36 on two new axle bolts and 20mins of time (included putting tools away!)

Replace the axle bolts and torqued to 35nm + 90 degrees, and it’s good enough for me.

[slizovskiy]

lingus75 said:

Update for anyone else who has this issue.

Although I still have a barely audible noise, most of it has now gone for the grand total repair cost of £3.36 on two new axle bolts and 20mins of time (included putting tools away!)

Replace the axle bolts and torqued to 35nm + 90 degrees, and it’s good enough for me.

I also have a similar problem on Volvo V50 D2 2011: drivetrain picks up the slack. Can you clarify, what type of bolts have you used? How were these bolts different from your old ones?
Thank you,
Sergey

[lingus75]

Hi Sergey

The bolts are updated Volvo bolts , I think they are standard issue now. Just ask parts counter and they should know, but if not here is a picture of part number etc...