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Why is Volvo's AWD system so delicate?

This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » Why Were Gen 1 AWD Systems so Delicate?
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dcarlson12
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Post by dcarlson12 »

*bump*

jimmy57
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Post by jimmy57 »

The 2002 S60 AWD and all 2003 and later use a hydraulic clutch system made by Haldex/Borg-Warner.
There are 4 versions through today. The first two have a mechanical pump that is active only when there is wheel spin with an electric pump that keeps clutch pack free travel eliminated but is a low enough pressure to not transmit any torque through the clutch. The system is not sensitive to tire size differences as the pump will go too slow and there is a pressure regulator valve that is electrically controlled that can dump fluid even with wheel spin. The coupling has to be able to be disengaged when stability control and rollover control need to apply selective brakes without the AWD system fighting it.
The 3rd system is similar but adds a beefier pump and a higher static pressure to send a bit of torque through clutches. This what Volvo calls "instant traction" as there is almost no wheel slip before it engages. Instant traction was first on P2 R's and the XC90 V8.
The latest sheds the mechanical pump altogether and uses a high pressure electrical pump so it is lighter and simpler.

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Post by matthew1 »

Beautiful explanation.
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antonv
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Year and Model: 2011 Volvo XC60 T6
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Post by antonv »

Indeed extremely delicate. My AWD on my 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 also gave up. It went bad at 90,000 miles. Sad because it is a nice car. It used to drive so nice. I took it to the dealer. Parts alone -to fix the AWD- cost US$9,000 (US$4500 final drive, US$4500 clutch). I called Volvo with the hope their engineers work on a new AWD design.

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