V70 AWD 1998 Problem After Refurbished Driveshaft Installed

profjmm · Post by **profjmm** » 07 Dec 2014, 23:21

After very helpful input from this forum I removed the driveshaft on my V 70 and this solved the problem of rumbling and grinding on slow, sharp turns.

Decided I might keep the car longer so I have a mechanic install a refurbished driveshaft in time for winter.

Now the problem of shuddering on the sharp turns has been resolved but there is a tapping or thumping sound coming from the midsection of the car between the driver and passenger seat. It sounds like something knocking and it is most intense when slowing down or speeding up under 30 miles an hour. I will return it to the mechanic Who installed the refurbished driveshaft.

But I am very much wondering what might be causing the tapping or shuddering after a refurbished driveshaft was installed. Trying to diagnose the problem. Thanks for any insight you might have. Previous history can be found under my login name, profjmm

Post by **cn90** » 08 Dec 2014, 06:49

Rear Driveshaft: either poorly balanced or the center bearing going out.

Personally, I'd leave it out and install 4 snow tires, i.e., the car is now FWD with snow tires.

Post by **Jack Rock** » 08 Dec 2014, 06:55

I had the same problem and ended up doing what cn90 said. I don't doubt the quality of the rebuild, I got mine from Colorado drive shaft, I suspected the viscous coupling or rear diff but that was beyond where I wanted to go.

profjmm · Post by **profjmm** » 08 Dec 2014, 08:37

Thanks for the helpful comments. I am hoping that the mechanic will refund me for the refurbished driveshaft. If not, is there any harm in keeping it in for 2000 miles during the winter months or could it cause damage, assuming that either it is not balanced or the center bearing is going out? The car did seem peppier without the driveshaft and the mileage was better too.Thanks.

Redneck · Post by **Redneck** » 08 Dec 2014, 09:03

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2014, 12:01

Get the mechanic to check the bearing at the front of the VC housing where it meets the prop-shaft. Mine made strange rubbing noises and was poor on turns. Also check the VC housing front mounting bushing for wear. They knock when worn. If the VC has been unused for some time the lube in them can settle and make them bind on turns. It may, with luck, settle with time and gentle use.

Neil.

Redneck · Post by **Redneck** » 08 Dec 2014, 13:40

Post by **Ben850** » 09 Dec 2014, 08:29

Redneck wrote:The mechanic should not refund anything. He should even charge to uninstal and instal the new good refurbished part if he can get a replacement.

I think we have more common thought than I had first realized, Mr. Redneck.

I apologize for doubting your earlier advice.

Almost everything you had just left seemed to ring true to what I feel about why we would decide to own, and/or keep an aging vehicle as these.

If it is a hindrance, let it go. If it gives you joy and entertainment, continue.

profjmm · Post by **profjmm** » 09 Dec 2014, 10:16

Well, taken, Ben850 and Redneck. I tinker with the car but cannot do the big repairs that you do. I used to tell my dad, "If your car is not a hobby and you can afford a newer one, go for it." I can't afford a new car but at this point I probably can't afford to keep the V70 much longer. The only reason for my comment about a refund from the mechanic is that if the refurbished driveshaft is defective, it stands to reason that he (and I) should either get a refund or a replacement. Of course, I must pay him for all work performed. Thanks also, Redneck, for the heads up about the likely repairs coming up on the V70. I hope I can coax it along till August since I only have to drive some 3-5k miles till then... and hopefully I can save up for a newer car!

Post by **Ben850** » 09 Dec 2014, 13:43

Well, you know these cars run great as a front wheel drive while leaving the rear shaft and all related parts on the way deleted.
It is the way they were originally designed.
I have three that are front wheel drive and function beautifully in snow and rain.

The rear wheels are only active ten percent of the time. and only where there may be a loss of traction.
There are many threads here that explain this and make sense of the rear drive delete.
That being said. Take the shaft out and be happy there is less weight and parasitic drag on the drivetrain.