2005 XC90 T6 2005 - Centre prop shaft support bearing

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 07 Mar 2015, 13:58

Hi everyone

I've recently purchased an xc90. It's generally in good condition but I have one fault I am trying to diagnose. On medium or higher acceleration between 40-50 kmph there is a quite loud noise/rumble from something rotating, definitely slower than than the speed of the wheels and sounds like a dry bearing. It's not wheel bearings as I have checked these, it's not engine or gears as the noise happens in any gear at that same speed.

When under the car I notived there is quite a bit of play up/down in what appears to be the centre support bearing at the centre of the propshaft.

Has anyone experienced a similar fault a d managed to pinpoint it and does anyone know if the bearing is replaceable in case it is that?

Thanks

Matt

Post by **jimmy57** » 07 Mar 2015, 17:40

The most common issue is the front CV joint grease drying out and binding that joint.
The center support bearing is rubber mounted and it will move up-down and side to side.

Post by **gstallons** » 07 Mar 2015, 18:02

Both C.V. u-joints need fresh grease. You can remove and install C.V.joint grease in the joints to stop this ANNOYING racket. I don't know if there is any vendors that sell the dust boot that will be shot when you do this. Don't worry about cleaning the old grease but add new grease and work it into the joint. There are rubber gaskets that go on each side of the joint w/one going towards the prop shaft and the other going to the dust cap.
You and your car will be happy you did this !

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 07 Mar 2015, 20:57

jimmy57 wrote:The most common issue is the front CV joint grease drying out and binding that joint.
The center support bearing is rubber mounted and it will move up-down and side to side.

Thanks... I should have noted that as well as the movement there is a definite click/clunk coming form the bearing too when I move the shaft up and down which is what raised my suspicion so not just the movement. There doesn't appear to be any movement or noise form the two cv joints at the ends.

I guess I've got nothing to lose by pulling out the prop and re-greasing. Both boots actually look ok from an initial inspection.

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 06 Apr 2015, 20:15

Finally pulled the prop off this weekend. Both cv joints had baked grease but I fear that for the front one it was too late as even after cleaning and re-greasing it was very stiff.

After re-fitting the noise was definitely reduced and slightly different in tone so I'm convince that this was the issue. Does anyone know if the cv joints and rubber boots can be purchased separately as Volvo say only the completed shaft is available new which is rediculous.

Thanks Jimmy57

Matt

Post by **jimmy57** » 06 Apr 2015, 21:23

driveshaftparts.com

I can't vouch that they sell 100K mile plus joints but I have used several of them and have no repeat repairs yet. I have one in my 2004 V70R and it has been in there 40K miles and is still perfect. I just had it disconnected from angle gear so I could overhaul angle gear and it is still tight.

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 22 Apr 2015, 04:12

Thanks Jimmy

The guys at Driveshaftparts.com have been excellent in helping me to identify the correct replacement joints. They also sell the centre support bearing, result!

I will update everyone again once fitted but definitively the issue as since regreasing the noise has settled considerably.

Matt

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 30 May 2015, 17:20

Well... Both CV joints replaced yesterday but the noise is still there but slightly better/different. I sourced the centre support bearing too but could not work out how to replace it so I still suspect this is the cause of the noise. Failing that it could be the transfer box. Anyone heard of similar noises?

Matt

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 30 Jun 2015, 04:42

Curiosity got the better of me... Sprayed some WD40 on the bearing... Noise practically disappeared so I'm certain my original diagnosis is correct.

Still can't figure out how to remove the bearing for the shaft though, has anyone done this before and can provide advice?

Thanks in advance

Matt

cryingbaby · Post by **cryingbaby** » 30 Jun 2015, 20:56

matt_linegar wrote:Finally pulled the prop off this weekend. Both cv joints had baked grease but I fear that for the front one it was too late as even after cleaning and re-greasing it was very stiff.

image.jpg
After re-fitting the noise was definitely reduced and slightly different in tone so I'm convince that this was the issue. Does anyone know if the cv joints and rubber boots can be purchased separately as Volvo say only the completed shaft is available new which is rediculous.

Thanks Jimmy57

Matt

Hey am going to attempt to replace my prop shaft this weekend. Was it fairly easy to get off? Just 6 bolts on either side of the shaft right? Is there any thing that needs to be pressed out or any special tools needed. I'm kinda nervous about the whole thing. I'm also having noise coming from that area. Brought it to the dealer and they said it was the prop shaft and wanted 2k. I found one for 6oo and plan on putting it in this weeeknd. Any advice will be very helpful. Thanks!