I was driving from WV to SC when this all happened. Locally, like you, I replaced all the struts, strut mount bearings, bushings and four wheel alignment twice b/c of right pull and tire noise. This was right before leaving for SC. Here's what they found at a very reputable garage in Columbia:
Strut replacement looked fine. But, the alignment was "out" and tire noise came from this:
They determined that the front hub assembly was bad b/c of severe play in the hub itself. It was very obvious and the fact that the could visibly see the hub bearing was basically shot.
Secondly, upon inspection in the rear of the car, there was some type of large support bushing leading from the strut and onto the main frame of the car(if I remember right). They said it was no wonder it could not be aligned b/c every time they let the car down on its tires, the bushing was so bad that it caused itself to go out of alignment. Understand that my local had a new mechanic working on my car--and they should have known better b/c I "was" a good customer and they knew that I was very particular about my car. The SC garage said they should have seen that easily but did not.
My car actually had a roaring sound as I drove on interstate. It was not pleasant but did NOT go away if I turned one way or the other. I believe a CV joint noise lessens when you turn away from that joint. A bearing goes bad stays bad.
Have you raised the car and tried to move the wheel for excessive play either up and down or side to side? Can you manually spin the wheel and hear anything?
Regardless, repairs were not going to be cheap and I decided to trade it there in SC for a BMW X5. I miss my Volvo though. It was a great car. AND, I have four OEM XC70 wheesl with Firestone winterforce tires mounted up for sale. $400.00 takes all four; you pay shipping or pick up--if you are interested.
Hope all this helps some. It's about all I know about it. Let me know if I can help any more. ;-)
