My S80 has done 37000 miles and runs well but about three weeks ago it started making a strange whining noise which seemed to be coming from the 6 speed auto gearbox. It was only noticeable up to about 40 MPH and seemed to occur in the lower gear ratios. I had the car checked yesterday by an auto gearbox specialist and he stated that the gearbox is fine - oil level OK, no leaks etc, He did state that the noise was hardly noticeable outside the car or under the bonnet but was most noticeable inside the car and that it seems to be coming up the steering column. I admit that is a very slight vibration felt in the steering wheel associated with the whing noise. He suggested that I ask Volvo if there are any known problems related to this issue.

Any ideas ?