Login Register

1998 V70XC Viscous Coupler Storage Question

Post Reply
User avatar
850 LPT
Posts: 1973
Joined: 27 May 2011, 08:05
Year and Model: 98' S70, 5-speed
Location: CT
Has thanked: 335 times
Been thanked: 247 times

Post by 850 LPT »

Hi folks,

I finally ordered a used viscous coupler from Erie Volvo for my XC after much procrastination. The car already has a brand new angle gear (yes I know, crazy) and a rebuilt drive shaft, so I finally figured that it makes sense to go all the way and have a working AWD system once again. I sure missed it last winter.

I heard or read someplace that wrong storage can damage these things and that even new ones went bad after a short period for this reason. Is this true? And if it is what can one do to prevent damage?
Should I store it the "right way" for a while before installing? Could it be that the silicone liquid settles and therefore creates an imbalance?
I also heard that viscous couplers don't like to sit still for a longer period of time (maybe for the same reason). If that is true how long is too long?

I'm not commuting with the car anymore, so my hope is that the AWD will last for a while :)

Thanks, Dirk
98' S70, base, 5-speed manual, pewter/ tan, 148k miles
06' V70, auto, willow green/ charcoal, 161k miles
79' Ford Capri S, Euro Spec 2.8 V6, T9 5-speed manual, owned since 1986
58' Porsche Diesel Junior
13' Honda Odyssey :oops:
84' Mercedes 300 D, gold/ tan, 420k miles (retirement project :D )

jimmy57
Posts: 6696
Joined: 12 Nov 2010, 09:25
Year and Model: 2004 V70R GT, et al
Location: Ponder Texas
Has thanked: 5 times
Been thanked: 322 times

Post by jimmy57 »

The VC has a seal towards the rear end and if you store it set it splined end down. I'm not sure the leakage is a real issue but this would be the safest way.
The silicone fluid is effectively fine particle silica in an oil to make it a gel. The oil leaks away and leave the "dirt" and that is when the VC gets locked or begins to stick-slip violently when wheelspin occurs.

User avatar
850 LPT
Posts: 1973
Joined: 27 May 2011, 08:05
Year and Model: 98' S70, 5-speed
Location: CT
Has thanked: 335 times
Been thanked: 247 times

Post by 850 LPT »

Hi Jimmy, thanks. Is the spline section towards the mounting flange for the diff?
98' S70, base, 5-speed manual, pewter/ tan, 148k miles
06' V70, auto, willow green/ charcoal, 161k miles
79' Ford Capri S, Euro Spec 2.8 V6, T9 5-speed manual, owned since 1986
58' Porsche Diesel Junior
13' Honda Odyssey :oops:
84' Mercedes 300 D, gold/ tan, 420k miles (retirement project :D )

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post