Engine growl

Recently, my wife's 1998 V70 AWD has started to make what sounds like
a gutteral growl sound when the gas pedal is applied. The sound
diminishes when the pedal is released. It sounds as if it's coming
from the front, under the car.

My first thought was that there might a hole that has developed
somewhere in the exhaust system.

Is there anything else to check before I make an appt to take it to a
shop?

TIA,
Dave

 

Hmmm. CV joint? Is it worse when turning one way or the other?

 

No, it seems to be associate with stepping on the gas pedal only.
Although I guess the idle is a little louder.

 

I think you're on the right track. I would look at the downpipe from the
exhaust manifold to the rest of the system. If you put the car up on
ramps or jack stands, let the engine cool, then start it and *carefully*
crawl under with the engine idling and the transmission in park/neutral,
you may be able to hear or feel the exhaust leaking.

 

: wrote:
: > Recently, my wife's 1998 V70 AWD has started to make what sounds like
: > a gutteral growl sound when the gas pedal is applied. The sound
: > diminishes when the pedal is released. It sounds as if it's coming
: > from the front, under the car.
: >
: > My first thought was that there might a hole that has developed
: > somewhere in the exhaust system.
: >
: > Is there anything else to check before I make an appt to take it to a
: > shop?
: >
: > TIA,
: > Dave
:
:
:
: I think you're on the right track. I would look at the downpipe from the
: exhaust manifold to the rest of the system. If you put the car up on
: ramps or jack stands, let the engine cool, then start it and *carefully*
: crawl under with the engine idling and the transmission in park/neutral,
: you may be able to hear or feel the exhaust leaking.

Hi Tom,

After following the excellent advice from James, check out the exhaust
manifold gasket.
I had a similar noise in my '97 850 AWD wagon. The source turned out to be
that gasket leaking.

Good luck.
Andy I.

 

And if you have a buddy handy with a thick towel, have hime fold it up,
and hold it tight against the tailpipe while you feel / listen for the hiss.
The increased backpressure will make it a lot easier to find.