Haldex pump - how reliable?

[Acer]

The spline sleeve issues are well known and I have come across a few DEM and DEM oil pressure sensor issues too, but how reliable is the haldex pump itself?

I have seen a lot of Land rover Freelander owners complaining about it, but you don't see it come up much on this forum. I searched the threads and couldn't find an answer.

Is there an easy way of testing the pump to ensure it works? Any DEM issues would presumably trigger DTCs against the DEM module but what about the pump itself?

One Volvo specialist told me they once fixed a spline sleeve issue only to have it produce a DEM error straight after, as if the spline failure hid the DEM problem! I couldn't understand the logic of that but hopefully someone here can help.

[rsymes2k]

the spline sleeve can hide the DEM problem, i've heard of this before.

I've heard of the DEM control module failure & pump failure chucking up DTC codes.

[Acer]

Originally Posted by rsymes2k

the spline sleeve can hide the DEM problem, i've heard of this before.

I've heard of the DEM control module failure & pump failure chucking up DTC codes.

Superb, so you could fix a spline sleeve only to find your DEM is also faulty. That would be a nightmare.

So are we saying that the DTC codes for a failed pump and/or DEM would not appear while a spline sleeve or angle gear are bust? Surely the DEM is still communicating with the CEM regardless of the mechanical connection?

[Whyman]

Not sure if it is the same system on the XC60 but I have had five warranty claims on mine for the pump, twice the pump and filter has been cleaned out and the oil changed.

OK for a while both times and then problem occurred and pump had to be changed. Finally there was a software update.

All OK at the moment but I am considering extending the Volvo warranty before it runs out in March.

[Acer]

Originally Posted by Whyman

Not sure if it is the same system on the XC60 but I have had five warranty claims on mine for the pump, twice the pump and filter has been cleaned out and the oil changed.

OK for a while both times and then problem occurred and pump had to be changed. Finally there was a software update.

All OK at the moment but I am considering extending the Volvo warranty before it runs out in March.

That is just unacceptably poor from Volvo. Once upon a time they built cars to last. A 2013 model that has experienced 5 warranty issues, times have certainly changed!

[Tannaton]

There are at least two, possibly three different haldex systems fitted to Volvo Awd models - the later ones being basically updated versions of the same thing. I can remember where I read it but the I think the earlier versions are more likely to not throw error codes when the splined sleeve fails.

I've not had a problem on my XC90 but my father had the pump fail (and error code on the dash) on his 13 plate XC70 at 23,000 miles.

[Acer]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

There are at least two, possibly three different haldex systems fitted to Volvo Awd models - the later ones being basically updated versions of the same thing. I can remember where I read it but the I think the earlier versions are more likely to not throw error codes when the splined sleeve fails.

I've not had a problem on my XC90 but my father had the pump fail (and error code on the dash) on his 13 plate XC70 at 23,000 miles.

Another 2013 model with a failed pump. Useless!

I wonder if the model used on these later vehicles has a fundamental design flaw? Would be nice if, for once, the earlier models had something that is more robust and less likely to fail. My car is heading to Volvo next week to have the spline sleeve (potentially angle gear) addressed. My fear is that they will change it and then find the pump and/or DEM are playing up. I have read about the failed spline potentially masking a problem, but surely the CEM is still talking to the DEM and pump, regardless of the mechanical issues?

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Acer

Another 2013 model with a failed pump. Useless!

I wonder if the model used on these later vehicles has a fundamental design flaw? Would be nice if, for once, the earlier models had something that is more robust and less likely to fail. My car is heading to Volvo next week to have the spline sleeve (potentially angle gear) addressed. My fear is that they will change it and then find the pump and/or DEM are playing up. I have read about the failed spline potentially masking a problem, but surely the CEM is still talking to the DEM and pump, regardless of the mechanical issues?

This isn't an area where I have strong knowledge but I think you would get an error regardless if the DEM was "offline". My understanding is that the DEM doesn't talk to the pump, it just turns it off and on, but it does monitor fluid pressure and that's the error you get when the pump fails. I think it also knows if the pump is "open circuit" - i.e. electrical failure.

Remember although Volvo have their own version of the computer that works it all, the haldex unit is used on many other cars (VAG especially) so there may be other, cheaper sources of the pump and service components compared to the Volvo dealers if you need one.

Here's an example: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=109469

[Acer]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

This isn't an area where I have strong knowledge but I think you would get an error regardless if the DEM was "offline". My understanding is that the DEM doesn't talk to the pump, it just turns it off and on, but it does monitor fluid pressure and that's the error you get when the pump fails. I think it also knows if the pump is "open circuit" - i.e. electrical failure.

Remember although Volvo have their own version of the computer that works it all, the haldex unit is used on many other cars (VAG especially) so there may be other, cheaper sources of the pump and service components compared to the Volvo dealers if you need one.

Here's an example: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=109469

Yes fair point re the part itself. CheshireD5 has previously flagged how other components like the MAF contain the same sensor in other models. Bit of a racket!

Re the spline sleeve change itself. What are the risks of them damaging the bevel gear and/or transmission when trying to get it off?

[Rooster]

I think the majority of the AWD's never actually get used and i don't think that helps,