05 XC90 Propeller Drive Shaft

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 22 Jan 2014, 17:52

So I took my XC90 into the dealer and they tell me I need a new propeller drive shaft, I don't have alot of knowledge as to what this does, any way they want $1600 to remove/replace drive shaft. So do I need the drive shaft in the XC? I know it engages the AWD, but I really don't need AWD, I'm fine with FWD especially to save $1600. Will this damage anything on the XC if I just remove it and not replace it? If I do need to replace it is this something I can do myself in the garage? I see that Colorado Driveshafts sell refurb'd shafts and people have had great results with them, I need competent advice please.

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Jan 2014, 19:49

What are your symptoms?
The common failure is the front CV joint. The heat from the catalytic converter bakes the grease in the joint and it fails. This will cause a vibration or sometimes a rumble.

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 22 Jan 2014, 20:16

Loud squeal like siren sound, started out clicking/cluncking then loud squal

bncme262 · Post by **bncme262** » 22 Jan 2014, 21:49

search google or this forum for post about r & r d/s and repack front and rear cv joints, slip joint splines and center bearing service. read post carefully, driveshaft may be balanced and need to be returned to original config to ensure no vibration.

bncme262 · Post by **bncme262** » 22 Jan 2014, 21:52

i have heard of people just leaving the driveshaft out and running fwd. i would make sure any exposed greased or oil areas were protected from dirt.

bncme262 · Post by **bncme262** » 22 Jan 2014, 22:05

colorado drive shaft looks good, i would talk with them about r & r ing it yourself, what to watch for and extra hardware parts needed or other jobs to do while shaft is out. or via a local cheaper mechanic. read the diy post, job didn't seem too bad, it is long and floppy and awkward so either more hands, jacks, jackstands may be helpful. have the diy instructions, and new d/shaft and any other hardware and parts on hand when you or your non dealer mechanic take it on. be careful about maintiaining the balance of old\new if your split the two pieces. mark it to retain original orientation. see diy article re balance via bolt length and hole orientation.

cborjon · Post by **cborjon** » 26 Jan 2014, 18:20

Six months ago, my wife's 2004 XC-90 (better know as the money pit) had a clicking sound that we finally traced to to Propeller Drive Shaft. Dealership could not find the source of the clicking, but wanted to replace the front CV joints on both sides ("might be the problem"). On the recommendation of a friend, I then took it to a mechanic that specializes in Volvo's (Antonio at Independent Volvo in Walnut Creek CA). He spent some serious time on it and isolated the Propeller Drive Shaft. I checked with the dealership and they wanted closer to $2000 to replace the Shaft. Antonio told me a previous customer had used the company in the link below and he had not had any issues two years later, so I also went with them - saved some cash and so far so good.
http://www.wholesaleimportparts.com/Vol ... t_2004.php

toxtreme · Post by **toxtreme** » 29 Jan 2014, 15:51

Dealer offered to remove the propeller drive shaft and said it wouldn't hurt the XC at all, so now I have a FWD XC90 and saved myself $1500.00, I took the old one and may send it to Colorado Drive Shafts and get a replacement, not sure as of yet, but thanks to all that responded.

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 25 Apr 2014, 18:10

That's what I did with my 2000 XC. The center connector [can't remember proper term] was totally fried. Drove it until first snow and when front wheels spun, ordered a rebuild from Co Drive Shaft. Great folks; totally fixed the problem for a little over $500.00
Don