[bobbyleethomas]

I have a 2002 XC70 that is making a noise that I suspect is a bad CV Joint. The car makes a noise that increases and decrease with acceleration and deceleration. The noise is clearly tied to the speed at which the tires rotate and not the actually RPM's of the engine. The noise get worse when you veer left, and goes away when you veer right. I originally thought it was an issue of tire ware because the front end was out of alignment again. I replaced the front tire and had it aligned. That did not stop the noise. The rear tires are fine. I suspect it is a CV Joint, but I can't find a Chiltons Manual for the car and I don't know how to determine for certain if that is the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[BHart]

The fact that you can change the sound by veering side to side would suggest a wheel bearing. Loading the loose bearing will quieten it and shifting the weight off the worn bearing will allow it to vibrate.

A bearing sound that stayed the same when veering but changed under power VS freewheel would most likely be deeper in the drivetrain.