Volvo 740 - interior noise level

Hi,

This evening I took my 1989 Volvo 740 GLE 16 Valve for a drive along the
Sydney-Newcastle freeway. I noticed this time, and in the past, that the
interior noise level is quite noticeable going at 110 km/h (68 mph). I
could hear the normal wind noise generated by the car going at that high
speed fairly loudly. Is this normal? Did Volvo improve the wind noise
problem on the 940's so it is less noticeable?

Peter.

 

Compared to my 242t, the interior noise in my 740ti is like riding in a
Bentley ;-)

 

Only time I've noticed a wind noise on my 740's is when the Electric windows
don't close properly, usually due to worn tracks. Mostly on the drivers
door. Which in my case (UK), is the right hand one.

 

How's the condition of the door seals? Sometimes they age or get damaged and
allow more wind noise in. My '87 740 is quite quiet inside.

 

My 740 had worn out bushings on the trannny which caused the drive shaft
to sag a little and made for a sort of "road noise" type of sound like
rough pavement. Might look at that.

 

Which reminds me, the other day I found out that '90 740 (and 940's) has
better door seal on the front doors than the '89 and earlier models. On the
'89 and earlier models, the door seal which mounts on the front doors seals
along the A pillar and across the top of the door, and terminates there. On
the '90 and later models, it continues down to seal along the B pillar as
well. I can only imagine that this makes the car even quieter.
_________________
Will
'90 Volvo 744 GLT
B230F converted to B230FB (531 Head & VX3 Cam)

 

Not having seen the later model is there a chance the newer seal could be retro
fitted? I would love to quiet mind down some more.
Chris V

 

It shouldn't be a problem, I think these seals are glued onto the doors.
Trying to remove them from a used car might be a pain however, it's probably
easier to buy new ones from Volvo.
_________________
Will
'90 Volvo 744 GLT
B230F converted to B230FB (531 Head & VX3 Cam)

 

Coincidentally my 89' 740 on the driver side has a bit more wind/road noise
coming in due to the door seal being flattened from just plain old age.
However a mechanic told me that spraying silicon on the seals and leaving
the doors open for about 15 minutes to let it penetrate will rejuvinate
them. Unfortunately with the weather being well below zero for the next few
months here in Canada I'll have to wait until spring to see if this little
trick actually works.

Can anyone out there confirm if this tip does work?

Norbert