AWD / Bevel Gear Failure - Any Help from Volvo?

alanc · Aug 11th, 2009, 09:15

Having just got completely stuck on a gently inclined patch of damp grass with front wheels spinning I'm fairly sure I'm now the owner of a 2-wheel drive XC90. I've read through many of the forums on the web and it seems pretty obvious I have some kind of bevel gear problem.

I've had my XC90 from new (2003) and I think I've had my fair share of the common mechanical problems with this car. It's used mostly for motorway cruising and I'm now up to 115,000 miles. However I have a suspicion (unproveable of course) that I may have lost 4-wheel capability ages ago, but with no warning facility I never realised it (I had big trouble pulling out of a snowy layby about 2 years ago).

Given the cost of repair I understand one option is to just leave it as it is and carry on with front drive only. But I'd like to get the AWD back just in case I need it again in the future - and to my mind doing nothing lets Volvo off the hook of their responsibility if there really is a weak bit of engineering here. It seems like it's a common enough problem to suggest that's the case and by all accounts this part should last a lifetime.

Has anyone had any success getting Volvo UK to contribute to the repair bill ? If you did, was it given generously or after a struggle ?

Any advice would be appreciated - and thanks.

thedoctor · Aug 21st, 2009, 22:30

I have recently bought a 55 plate volvo xc90 with 72000 miles on the clock - nice vehicle but i found out today that it is probably only 2 wheel drive. My local garage thinks it is the link from the transmission to rear axle? They have done one before and quoted about £180 labour (6 hours) plus parts and oil etc of about a further £180. I am taking it in this coming monday for a proper investigation. Will let you know if they are on the right track!

Clan · Aug 21st, 2009, 22:57

the thing which "goes" is the splined coupling £85 and volvo official time is 2.5 hours to get the angle gear out and in , so they are overcharging you a lot! you should get the whole job done for £200 with those unbelievable rates of £30 an hour .. How can a man even cover his overheads let alone make a profit ?

AB-UK · Aug 22nd, 2009, 08:47

I agree - my Indy's charges are around £60 an hour - and I don't believe he is ripping me off either (the local main dealer seems to be charging £90 an hour).

Aug 11th, 2009, 09:15	#1
alanc New Member Last Online: Mar 30th, 2016 11:15 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tring, Herts	AWD / Bevel Gear Failure - Any Help from Volvo? Having just got completely stuck on a gently inclined patch of damp grass with front wheels spinning I'm fairly sure I'm now the owner of a 2-wheel drive XC90. I've read through many of the forums on the web and it seems pretty obvious I have some kind of bevel gear problem. I've had my XC90 from new (2003) and I think I've had my fair share of the common mechanical problems with this car. It's used mostly for motorway cruising and I'm now up to 115,000 miles. However I have a suspicion (unproveable of course) that I may have lost 4-wheel capability ages ago, but with no warning facility I never realised it (I had big trouble pulling out of a snowy layby about 2 years ago). Given the cost of repair I understand one option is to just leave it as it is and carry on with front drive only. But I'd like to get the AWD back just in case I need it again in the future - and to my mind doing nothing lets Volvo off the hook of their responsibility if there really is a weak bit of engineering here. It seems like it's a common enough problem to suggest that's the case and by all accounts this part should last a lifetime. Has anyone had any success getting Volvo UK to contribute to the repair bill ? If you did, was it given generously or after a struggle ? Any advice would be appreciated - and thanks.

Aug 21st, 2009, 22:30	#2
thedoctor New Member Last Online: Aug 27th, 2009 07:49 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Salop	AWD Problem I have recently bought a 55 plate volvo xc90 with 72000 miles on the clock - nice vehicle but i found out today that it is probably only 2 wheel drive. My local garage thinks it is the link from the transmission to rear axle? They have done one before and quoted about £180 labour (6 hours) plus parts and oil etc of about a further £180. I am taking it in this coming monday for a proper investigation. Will let you know if they are on the right track!

Aug 21st, 2009, 22:57	#3
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:45 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	the thing which "goes" is the splined coupling £85 and volvo official time is 2.5 hours to get the angle gear out and in , so they are overcharging you a lot! you should get the whole job done for £200 with those unbelievable rates of £30 an hour .. How can a man even cover his overheads let alone make a profit ? __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Aug 22nd, 2009, 08:47	#4
AB-UK Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 08:09 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nottingham	I agree - my Indy's charges are around £60 an hour - and I don't believe he is ripping me off either (the local main dealer seems to be charging £90 an hour).

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