XC70 propshaft play

[jagerb]

Hi everyone!

When i was doing some work in my 2001 XC70 (Viscous coupling) the other day i noticed the propshaft could be turned a bit. (see attached video)

Is this normal, or is something worn?

And yes, there are already 2 bolts from the flange missing because i was taking it off

[scot850]

I would expect some backlash in the angle gear and the trans.

Neil.

[jagerb]

I would expect some backlash in the angle gear and the trans.

Neil.

Thanks you for your response Neil! Is this something that is a big dealbreaker for the AWD system? I took the propshaft out because it was worn, but would like to replace it.

[Blacklab467]

That’s perfectly normal. How is your propshaft “worn”? I’d take the CV’s apart on each end and clean and regrease them and get a tiny syringe and get some oil in the centre bearing and it should be good. The way these shafts fail is the rubber support around the bearing sags over time and you wil get a subtle vibration at 40-50 Mph, if it’s not doing that I’d call it good, this is a very expensive part to replace!
You should really take the opportunity to look at the input splines on the angle gear and the collar sleeve at this time. It only takes about an hour to remove the AG with the propshaft off, plus you can then drain and refill the AG at this time (there’s no drain plug). This will also give you a good view of your turbo to see if you need to fix any leaks.

[XC70Rider]

If your Haldex hasn't been serviced yet then now's the time if you do decide to remove the driveshaft. Replace the haldex filter and remove the oil pump & give a cleaning. Much more oil drains out via the oil pump fitting than when siphoning via the fill plug.

[scot850]

01 does not have a Haldex unit. Not fitted here until 2003/4. It should have the same viscous coupling unit as the P80 AWD's.

Neil.

[jonesg]

I would expect some backlash in the angle gear and the trans.

Neil.

yeh its called ganging, all the slop adds up at the rear of the prop shaft.

[scot850]

Yet another new term learned! Thanks.

Neil.

[jagerb]

So, is it normal? (Maybe not from the factory, but normal wear) Or is it excessive, and probably not worth it to replace the propshaft? Sorry, english is not my first language.

And thanks everyone for responding!

[scot850]

For the age I would consider it normal. I was just checking my 2000 V70R which has the same system a few days ago and it has a lot of play in it too. Car runs smoothly when not broken. Actually drives very smoothly when not broken!

Neil.