AWD System

[TWMn]

Volvo says that driving with more than 2/32 of an inch difference between the two tires on the same axle can cause damage. So, like I said before- it's best to change out the spare for a real tire when you get a chance. All of my cars have full-size spares even though I don't have AWD in any of them.

I'm not sure you're much better off with a full-size. The likelihood of the spare's tread matching the others within the 2/32 tolerance is still a crap-shoot. I agree it is stupid on Volvo's part to put a donut in if it void any warranty or kills your bevel gear due to its use.

My '01 V70 XC with 100k miles has had tranny fluid changed at 30, 60, 90 and has had no bevel gear or tranny issues to date. I do wish to change the bevel gear oil to a full synthetic using the mity-vac method through the fill plug. Any recommendations or tips here? Stay with Volvo oil or go to aftermarket? Viscosity?

[MadeInJapan]

Someone had posted the viscosity and type but I can't seem to find it right now. In regards to the spare, if you get tires that rotate either direction, you can do a 5 wheel rotation to keep your tires within specs including the spare (only applies to true size spare.

[TWMn]

...you can do a 5 wheel rotation to keep your tires within specs including the spare (only applies to true size spare.

True. I wonder how many people actually do this. Alot of hassle to keep rotating 5 tires, much less replacing 5 instead of 4 when you need to buy new. Just doesn't seem practical.

[MadeInJapan]

I don't have AWD so haven't really had to deal with it personally, but I would be tempted in doing the 5 wheel rotation as well as 5 wheel swap when the time comes- you do get more miles out of a set this way too... in the long run, the price isn't going to be much more- just the cost seem all at once- just less often.