2005 XC90 Rear differential needs replacing

Davestac · Post by **Davestac** » 20 Jan 2015, 06:21

After having my 2005 xc90 misdiagnosed initially as rear wheel bearings needing replacement(and bearing that $700 cost) I am now told that problem is the rear differential needs replacement. I don't want to invest in a approximately $5,000 repair using a new part so I am considering replacing it with a used part for considerably less money. The mechanic I had look at it said he found a 10 year old part with 80,000 miles on it. I am concerned about doing this with the risk of using a part this old. Wondering if anyone has experience with this problem and if replacing with an old part a worthy risk.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jan 2015, 07:44

the rear diffs on XC90 models give almost no issues. The only ones I have worked on with noise also had oil leaks and were run low on lube.
If the 80K unit is clean (not cleaned up) then it should be fine.
If it is bearings the diff is easy to repair and the bearings are widely used bearings that are not expensive.
I do not know if your shop does differential repairs like that.

Davestac · Post by **Davestac** » 20 Jan 2015, 07:56

Thanks for the quick response jimmy57. My mechanic didn't mention anything about differential bearings being a possibility. He just proposed swapping out the assembly. Should I ask him to check that?

Post by **cn90** » 20 Jan 2015, 17:12

1+ to what jimmy said.

- How many miles in your car? Rear Diff is bullet-proof part so I am surprised your mechanic said that. What are the symptoms now?

- Worst-case scenario (if you don't want to spend $ fixing the AWD feature), then some people get rid of the angle gear + prop shaft and convert the vehicle into FWD.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jan 2015, 20:13

The labor to R & R will be spent regardless. The determining factor will be the price of that used unit versus the parts and labor to repair your diff.