Question(s) for V70 AWD owners

[Logie]

Hi as you may have read on my other posts im on the lookout for a V70 with AWD not too sure on which engine as yet (my mind changes daily) but as with all cars I do my homework and ive found lots of reviews that list a lot of common faults especially with the AWD system whether it be the transfer box or the "Angle gear" or uneven tyres causing gearbox and diff problems. Im just wanting to hear from as many of you guys who have/do actually own a V70 with AWD.
Did you have ANY issues with AWD? what year was your car etc? If so did you buy used parts to rectify the problem? Expensive? Any relevant info would help. Im just trying to get a fairly accurate picture of just how common these faults are? If at all. Thanks for reading.

[Dangerous Dave]

Some of the problems I had with mine in the 6 years I was running it (currently off the road, I will explain in a mo)

The connecting sleeve between the angle gear and the gearbox wore down the splines on the gearbox output shaft so I had to fit another gearbox. So cost me £200 for a SH box. This shouldn't happen on the later cars i.e. V70 range (mine was the first generation fitted to the 850) as the connecting sleeve was epoxied to the gearbox shaft and the sleeve was redesigned to wear first (a new sleeve from Volvo is about £90 to buy and not too hard to replace).

The reason the sleeve failed was partially because I'm not one of the most careful drivers on the planet, so tend to rag it a bit, plus the mbc I fitted upped the boost. The other reason is it is a weak point in the system. Currently my AWD is off the road awaiting a new engine. I like to mess and do my own remapping and have buggered the head gasket or something worse (yet to find out)

As for other parts, the angle gear is a bit hard to come by, can be anything from £100 to £400 for a SH one (depends on how much the seller knows). Usually replace the sleeve along with it. There is also an oil seal kit available from Volvo. Also best to check the oil level as the seals can wear over time and leak.

Another part that can be trouble is the propshaft. The CV joints at each end (particularly the engine end due to the heat from the engine/exhaust) tend to dry up and wear causing a knocking/clunking at low speeds. The life of the joint can be prolonged by removing the prop every so often and re-greasing the joints (easy to do). Also the prop centre bearing can dry up which can be replaced/prop reconditioned by a drivetrain specialist (last one I heard of was £150 but that was a few years ago) though I don't often hear about prop problems. SH props, again, can be anything up to £200/£300 depending on the seller. Though with regular maintenance this shouldn't be a problem.

The rear diff is quite solid as it was originally from the 900 series. Only problem is when the oil leaks out and they run dry.

The viscous coupling/freewheel unit can break down but again I haven't heard of many (if any) failures.

The rear shock absorbers tend to be self levelling types (or 'nivomats' as they're sometimes called). These can be expensive to replace as they are specific to the AWD as the bottom mount is different.

Thats all I can think of at the moment. The main thing is with regular maintenance and TLC the system should last. Treat it like ££££ and it will bite back.

Ooh, just seen your in Crawford. Is that the one by the M74? Used to stay regularly in Abington and once stopped on a campsite in Crawford (bit random I know)

[Logie]

Some of the problems I had with mine in the 6 years I was running it (currently off the road, I will explain in a mo)

The connecting sleeve between the angle gear and the gearbox wore down the splines on the gearbox output shaft so I had to fit another gearbox. So cost me £200 for a SH box. This shouldn't happen on the later cars i.e. V70 range (mine was the first generation fitted to the 850) as the connecting sleeve was epoxied to the gearbox shaft and the sleeve was redesigned to wear first (a new sleeve from Volvo is about £90 to buy and not too hard to replace).

The reason the sleeve failed was partially because I'm not one of the most careful drivers on the planet, so tend to rag it a bit, plus the mbc I fitted upped the boost. The other reason is it is a weak point in the system. Currently my AWD is off the road awaiting a new engine. I like to mess and do my own remapping and have buggered the head gasket or something worse (yet to find out)

As for other parts, the angle gear is a bit hard to come by, can be anything from £100 to £400 for a SH one (depends on how much the seller knows). Usually replace the sleeve along with it. There is also an oil seal kit available from Volvo. Also best to check the oil level as the seals can wear over time and leak.

Another part that can be trouble is the propshaft. The CV joints at each end (particularly the engine end due to the heat from the engine/exhaust) tend to dry up and wear causing a knocking/clunking at low speeds. The life of the joint can be prolonged by removing the prop every so often and re-greasing the joints (easy to do). Also the prop centre bearing can dry up which can be replaced/prop reconditioned by a drivetrain specialist (last one I heard of was £150 but that was a few years ago) though I don't often hear about prop problems. SH props, again, can be anything up to £200/£300 depending on the seller. Though with regular maintenance this shouldn't be a problem.

The rear diff is quite solid as it was originally from the 900 series. Only problem is when the oil leaks out and they run dry.

The viscous coupling/freewheel unit can break down but again I haven't heard of many (if any) failures.

The rear shock absorbers tend to be self levelling types (or 'nivomats' as they're sometimes called). These can be expensive to replace as they are specific to the AWD as the bottom mount is different.

Thats all I can think of at the moment. The main thing is with regular maintenance and TLC the system should last. Treat it like ££££ and it will bite back.

Ooh, just seen your in Crawford. Is that the one by the M74? Used to stay regularly in Abington and once stopped on a campsite in Crawford (bit random I know)

Awesome info there, thanks for that. Just the sort info im after. Yep same crawford its a bit of a one horse village aint it. Im originally from edinburgh. though. Any more input on AWD problems. Positive and negative. Thanks for taking the time Dave good club spirit there.

[Biff]

I bought mine with the prop missing so am unsure of what problems are hiding with my car. I've managed to source a prop which I will fit sometime in the near future (if it fits as there are multiple combinations on the awd systems on the v70).
My recommendation would be to buy a full service history car with the awd working as its a good base to start from. I bought mine not bothered about fixing the awd after hearing stories of £1600 bills for viscous couplings etc. after speaking to Dave & a few other awd owners I've decided to try restore the system. A few Americans run 400lb/ft of torque through mainly standard awd trans & seems the way to make them last is to keep an eye on tyre wear & pressures as Dave said.
If it were me looking I wouldn't consider any other engine bar the t5 but I'm pretty sure the t5 wasn't available in awd format as standard. The 2.5t is not a t5 regardless of what the adverts say.
My v70r owes me well over £2k now & I'm far from finished, iancho was in the same boat with his. Regardless of the awd I really love my car & would recomend one any day. The insurance is dirt cheap & the fuel bill could be a lot worse.
Good luck with your hunt, if I see anything I'll let you know & send you a link.

[Logie]

Cheers Biff much appreciated. Any link to for sale ads would be helpful. You mentioned the viscous couplings was this on the early cars then Haldex on later models?? which year did they start fitting Haldex? anyone?

[Biff]

The phase 2 had the haldex system mate, not sure what years they ran but the ph1 (my shape) ran from 96-00 but again I'm not sure what years the awd models were first introduced but they ran to the end. I bought mine as it was pre me7 & I read they were pre fly by wire etc & I read horror stories of etm failures or dim failures on the ph2 models. Other than a maf I've had no trouble with mine. If your looking to get an awd its probably better to buy an earlier ph1 with genuine miles & fsh. Mine has full service history albeit receipts after its 1st owner & 230k but all that is main dealer & before ford & technology started taking over.
Mine is over 300k now but I can only prove to 225k in 2005.
Not many cars can you get that will start first time every time for a blind bid on eBay.

[Biff]

The viscous couplings are what connect the transfer boxes or angle gear to the prop mate.

[Logie]

Thanks mate, Ive heard both viscous and Haldex both have their own problems, I'll seek a car with FSH or as near to it. Lots of receipts, and ideally an enthusiast owner.

[Biff]

Thanks mate, Ive heard both viscous and Haldex both have their own problems, I'll seek a car with FSH or as near to it. Lots of receipts, and ideally an enthusiast owner.

I read for hours googling Volvo awd system mate, there is all sorts online. Some things are in Swedish but some are American & it does make good reading if your mechanically minded.

[big fan volvo]

I am in the lucky position of owning a1997 V70R AWD, bought maybe 7 years ago with 140k on clock and full service history. Now at 240k, had a lot of money spent on it.
a) If you put a set of tyres on, part wear then damage one in pothole, you replace all 4 tyres! Answer for me was to stop using Pirelli P Zero and go to mid budget tyres, now have a selection of part worn tyres!
b) Yes lost AWD within a year, diagnosed as faulty angle gear. Second hand one sourced from salvo, but when put on, same issues, opened up and junked inside ( didn't really drive off garage ramp!) Bit the bullet and bought new from Volvo (£1600). Locking up rear wheels on turning, viscous coupling faulty. Couldn't afford another £1500, so utilised a donor from 850R AWD 1996, but had to bring prop shaft and angle gear prop shaft flange with it. Sorted with care by brilliant guys in Nottingham, Volvo Independent Dave Pengelly.
c) Have subsequently had front propshaft CV joints go, regular greasing is the solution, a real pain to sort through, done by my local Volvo independent in Wellingborough, Avalon.
d) Rear suspension as mentioned is complex and potentially expensive. Have replaced all suspension and springs, transforms the handling and ride back to how is was designed to be, Nivomats are great. I guess treat as wear and tear and replace at 50K.
e) Have gone through rear suspension bushes, replaced most of them now, my mechanic dreads working there as exquisite engineering, but hard work.
f) Any work on front end is always more expensive than FWD, no space between anything as angle gear makes it difficult to work, have done turbo at 160k, exhaust welds, and more recently cat.
g) Original clutch replaced at 225k, did DMF and everything else down there at same time.
h) Faulty aircons can be annoying, stuff rots and ages so I guess just replace after all car is quite old now. All of this ensures have a car that is still spotless, mechanically sorted, and can go when needed. Its like driving on rails....... but with a rocket underneath you!

Have until recently owned identical year and colour saffron V70R's, as above and a FWD, both with similar mileage. Running costs not much different, when one clutch went the other one followed within a month or so. When one steering pump went, so did the other, when one rear wiper plastic cowl cracked, so was the other. If one only owned one version, might put down to normal wear, but when both have same issues could conclude design!

So bottom line, a FANTASTIC car, cannot find that performance, road holding, comfort and safety for the sort of money these go for these days. Probably would never get rid of the car as most of it rebuilt! Have recently swopped out FWD version and replaced with 2006 AWD R (Sonic Blue), which is a very different beast- 10 years advancement, computerisation and more complexity, but goes like the wind and superbly comfortable, even if tormented by Volvo rear hop! However, have to be prepared to spend cash on repairs, but justified that zero depreciation, and so running costs still less than a new sports estate of some description. Find a good mechanic who loves and breathes volvo, trust their judgements.

Welcome to a small club Logie

[Logie]

I am in the lucky position of owning a1997 V70R AWD, bought maybe 7 years ago with 140k on clock and full service history. Now at 240k, had a lot of money spent on it.
a) If you put a set of tyres on, part wear then damage one in pothole, you replace all 4 tyres! Answer for me was to stop using Pirelli P Zero and go to mid budget tyres, now have a selection of part worn tyres!
b) Yes lost AWD within a year, diagnosed as faulty angle gear. Second hand one sourced from salvo, but when put on, same issues, opened up and junked inside ( didn't really drive off garage ramp!) Bit the bullet and bought new from Volvo (£1600). Locking up rear wheels on turning, viscous coupling faulty. Couldn't afford another £1500, so utilised a donor from 850R AWD 1996, but had to bring prop shaft and angle gear prop shaft flange with it. Sorted with care by brilliant guys in Nottingham, Volvo Independent Dave Pengelly.
c) Have subsequently had front propshaft CV joints go, regular greasing is the solution, a real pain to sort through, done by my local Volvo independent in Wellingborough, Avalon.
d) Rear suspension as mentioned is complex and potentially expensive. Have replaced all suspension and springs, transforms the handling and ride back to how is was designed to be, Nivomats are great. I guess treat as wear and tear and replace at 50K.
e) Have gone through rear suspension bushes, replaced most of them now, my mechanic dreads working there as exquisite engineering, but hard work.
f) Any work on front end is always more expensive than FWD, no space between anything as angle gear makes it difficult to work, have done turbo at 160k, exhaust welds, and more recently cat.
g) Original clutch replaced at 225k, did DMF and everything else down there at same time.
h) Faulty aircons can be annoying, stuff rots and ages so I guess just replace after all car is quite old now. All of this ensures have a car that is still spotless, mechanically sorted, and can go when needed. Its like driving on rails....... but with a rocket underneath you!

Have until recently owned identical year and colour saffron V70R's, as above and a FWD, both with similar mileage. Running costs not much different, when one clutch went the other one followed within a month or so. When one steering pump went, so did the other, when one rear wiper plastic cowl cracked, so was the other. If one only owned one version, might put down to normal wear, but when both have same issues could conclude design!

So bottom line, a FANTASTIC car, cannot find that performance, road holding, comfort and safety for the sort of money these go for these days. Probably would never get rid of the car as most of it rebuilt! Have recently swopped out FWD version and replaced with 2006 AWD R (Sonic Blue), which is a very different beast- 10 years advancement, computerisation and more complexity, but goes like the wind and superbly comfortable, even if tormented by Volvo rear hop! However, have to be prepared to spend cash on repairs, but justified that zero depreciation, and so running costs still less than a new sports estate of some description. Find a good mechanic who loves and breathes volvo, trust their judgements.

Welcome to a small club Logie

Thank you for a very informative and honest answer, some people wouldn't admit to having coughed up so much money on their car, some owners like you to think they bought a great car and it has cost them nothing. It seems that AWD is a bit of a gamble but a necessity in my case. Good tip on Volvo mechanic. Do these cv joints, angle gear etc get broken due to the amount of power from turbo engines?

[iancho]

V70R auto AWD 1998.... 151000 miles.

Some interesting reading even for me!

The Doughnut on my Propshaft deteriorated and had to have a re-furb £200 apart from that it appears I have been incredibly lucky reading some of the other Posts. I've owned mine for nearly 5yrs and it's a great bit of kit especially in the Wet or Snow.

As with everything in life if you treat it with a little respect and common sense fingers crossed you could be ok... I try not to worry about mine too much as it would (does) drive me mad.

I have spent thousands on other parts though as it is a 15yr old car and natural wear and tear become almost the norm even to the point that my local Garage wanted me to Scrap it a few years ago as another expensive job came along.

I'm hoping to get at least 200k from it and would never consider getting rid of it as it is one hell of a car in all weathers and is so versatile having 2 children and the room to move large loads I never have to worry about space.

I was also fed up every winter slipping and sliding everywhere.... Not Now, she ploughs through anything!

Good luck in your search and I hope you find something you are as pleased with as I am!

[Logie]

V70R auto AWD 1998.... 151000 miles.

Some interesting reading even for me!

The Doughnut on my Propshaft deteriorated and had to have a re-furb £200 apart from that it appears I have been incredibly lucky reading some of the other Posts. I've owned mine for nearly 5yrs and it's a great bit of kit especially in the Wet or Snow.

As with everything in life if you treat it with a little respect and common sense fingers crossed you could be ok... I try not to worry about mine too much as it would (does) drive me mad.

I have spent thousands on other parts though as it is a 15yr old car and natural wear and tear become almost the norm even to the point that my local Garage wanted me to Scrap it a few years ago as another expensive job came along.

I'm hoping to get at least 200k from it and would never consider getting rid of it as it is one hell of a car in all weathers and is so versatile having 2 children and the room to move large loads I never have to worry about space.

I was also fed up every winter slipping and sliding everywhere.... Not Now, she ploughs through anything!

Good luck in your search and I hope you find something you are as pleased with as I am!

Cheers iancho, another good answer, seems yous lucky ones who have had no problems seem to be in the minority. I sometimes wonder if im doing the right thing by selling my daily driver which is 100% fault free to buy what could potentially be a money pit, but...I want a Volvo in my life so i'll just hold out and keep looking and be choosey.

[Dangerous Dave]

TBH the AWDs have the same problems as the FWD variants, just the AWD system is the extra area to cover.

And nothing is 100% faultless

[Logie]

TBH the AWDs have the same problems as the FWD variants, just the AWD system is the extra area to cover.

And nothing is 100% faultless

Cheers Dave, My Suzuki GV (2000,Wreg) is faultless mate (mechanically) honestly cant find a problem with it neither could MOT man and he is a little Hitler. Cosmetically it has a few minor scratches. Oh it got a wet floor once but a water channel from the sunroof was blocked, I cleared it by pushing a wire coathanger through the pipe.

[Biff]

Cheers Dave, My Suzuki GV (2000,Wreg) is faultless mate (mechanically) honestly cant find a problem with it neither could MOT man and he is a little Hitler. Cosmetically it has a few minor scratches. Oh it got a wet floor once but a water channel from the sunroof was blocked, I cleared it by pushing a wire coathanger through the pipe.

But can you beat a Subaru with a fridge in the back of it??

[Logie]

But can you beat a Subaru with a fridge in the back of it??

lol na mate my supra can but fridge would need to go on the roof.

[Dangerous Dave]

Cheers Dave, My Suzuki GV (2000,Wreg) is faultless mate (mechanically) honestly cant find a problem with it neither could MOT man and he is a little Hitler. Cosmetically it has a few minor scratches. Oh it got a wet floor once but a water channel from the sunroof was blocked, I cleared it by pushing a wire coathanger through the pipe.

Then I would stick with it mate. Especially as you already have a weekend toy.

[Biff]

lol na mate my supra can but fridge would need to go on the roof.

You need a Volvo mate... This coming from an x vauxhall, x Volkswagen, x jap owner.

[Logie]

You need a Volvo mate... This coming from an x vauxhall, x Volkswagen, x jap owner.

Im an ex Vauxhall, x ford, x Peugeot, x Renault, blah blah blah.... I think ive had them all mate apart from Volvo and saab. The Jap stuff has given me little to no problems but I like something with comfort, reliability, space, and AWD so the choice of Volvo made perfect sense to me.