'00 v70 variable grinding noise under load-BG or VC?

AdlerV70 · Post by **AdlerV70** » 26 Apr 2013, 12:49

2000 V70 XC AWD. Noise started as subtle rapid repetative beat that went away when when off throttle. Has progressed over the last week+ to a much louder grinding noise; now it's a constant sound under load, louder as load increases, shakes steering wheel between 15 and 35 MPH. Becomes intermittent (changes in severity) at highway speed, might be due to slight steering changes or road bumps. Can feel significant vibration on steering wheel and accel pedal. BG housing is full, slight leak at right CV input. No play in wheel bearings, slight play in steering linkage (up on lift, tire tight top to bottom but slight play left to right). On lift , engine running, trans in drive; rear wheels and left wheel spin freely, right wheel does not spin but you can feel pulses of force coming down CV shaft.
Would like to take housing apart and see if problem is gears or bearings but without bearing numbers or a source for gears i'm on the fence about that.
So I'm looking for details on the bevel gear. Bearing numbers, interior schematics, etc. And any advice on tests for diagnosing the actual issue.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Apr 2013, 14:31

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!!
There are none. I don't think they're serviceable

AdlerV70 · Post by **AdlerV70** » 26 Apr 2013, 18:35

No numbers OR schematics? How is this possible? Has no one had to replace this? If a bearing goes out in this unit you have to replace the entire thing? Also, did you have thoughts on diagnosis?

Post by **JRL** » 26 Apr 2013, 18:38

Sounds like the bevel gear took a crap
The way to check this is to remove the propshaft, that leaves only the B/Gear moving
If it's quiet, then look at the propshaft bearings and then the VC

Actually scratch that.
Remove the propshaft, it sounds as if one of the bearings took a dump
Front is serviceable, some have done homemade fixes to the center gearing, the rear is not but that one usually is fine.
If it's all bad (at least 2 bearings), get a rebuild
Colorado Driveshaft will sell you complete rebuild for about $425 or the front bearing alone for about 100 bucks

AdlerV70 · Post by **AdlerV70** » 27 Apr 2013, 20:28

Took out the right axle today. Bearing and race on that side are perfect. Fluid looked good too, no silver and plenty full. Did notice that the rear axle seal was leaking. I'll look there next. Ran out of time today. Is there a special tool for removing the retaining ring on the right side? Banged on it hard quite a bit getting it out, broke two teeth off rather easily reseating it. Strange thing.
Stopped at Volvo parts counter also. They only offer a rebuilt unit (which they rebuild using the parts that are unavailable) for $2000 plus the cost of the splined sleeve and seals.
BTW, the $40 quart of special Volvo bevel gear fluid is just 75w-90 GL5.

AdlerV70 · Post by **AdlerV70** » 29 Apr 2013, 22:10

Just removed bevel gear. It's totally destroyed. Dammit.