[Aderac]

Hi. Been on a mission to find the source of a droning noise and the final part to change is the rear diff. Are the differentials from the 163 the same as the 185 does anyone know?

163 rear diffs are reasonably priced compared to 185 ones second hand.

As I say, been on a mission with this, so trying to keep expsense down. first tried the rear hub, then the other, then the fronts and at the same time changed the lower arms since they had play. Also had to swap the turbo out, so asked if removing the angle gear would help, so threw a replacement...but still that horrible droning noise 😭

Thanks

 

[volvogod]

What year and engine?
If it is a 6 cyl 3.2 engine the front bearing in the AOC is noisy and/or the rear diff.
On the lift in drive with RPM's listen to the 2-arrow mark areas with a stethoscope.
I have replaced a few AOC's and fixed the noise. Some customers live with the noise or trade the car.
Land Rover used the exact same parts when Ford owned Land Rover.
Supposedly Land Rover has parts and tools to replace the noisy bearings.
I have not confirmed if this is true or not.

 

[ChitownV]

Hi. Been on a mission to find the source of a droning noise and the final part to change is the rear diff. Are the differentials from the 163 the same as the 185 does anyone know?

163 rear diffs are reasonably priced compared to 185 ones second hand.

As I say, been on a mission with this, so trying to keep expsense down. first tried the rear hub, then the other, then the fronts and at the same time changed the lower arms since they had play. Also had to swap the turbo out, so asked if removing the angle gear would help, so threw a replacement...but still that horrible droning noise 😭

Thanks

From your reference in England, I’m assuming you have the higher output diesel. The differential might be the same, but confirm with the part numbers. You can also call the dealership to have them run both the 163hp and 183hp versions.

With an AWD, confirm the noise location as suggested earlier.

 

[ggleavitt]

I believe the easy interchangeability answer is chassis (last 6 of VIN). My copy of 2014D in EUR/INT suggests that the breakpoint is chassis 626983. One part number for exchange before for vehicles prior to 626983, another for 626984 onwards I can't tell out where that break occurs model year wise, someone with a similar chassis number can provide that. I'll guess it's post MY09. So safe bet to interchange the part in range (pre/pre, post/post).

Comment above is correct in that this differential is shared with some Rover vehicles (LR2 and more), more than a few rework kits being sold are Rover parts. The issue of pinion bearing noise is very well known and indeed there are a number of shops specializing in this repairwho can do the work in the US, here's one- Volvo and Land Rover Differential Problems - Out Of Town - We'll Repair - Send To Us - Atlantic Motorcar. I'm sure there will be a bunch of Rover independents in the UK who know this issue and can address it.

Here are a few Swedespeed threads on differential whine (S80 has same issue) in the meantime:
Xc90 rear diff successful repair !!! | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum
Rear Differential Whine | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum
Rear Differential whine, any tips? | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum

 

[ChitownV]

Below is a video from England with an XC90 2.4 D5 and diff whine noise. The same YouTube poster also made a video about him removing the diff.

This video is another, more noticeable, rear diff noise video: Rear differential noise.

Hope this helps with your diagnosis since you already spent money on changing other parts.

 

[Aderac]

Thanks for the responses everyone.
Sorry should of clarified, mines the 2.4 diesel, being in the UK.
Part of problem with the diagnosis is I also have a faulty DEM module, so the 4WD didn't work, which means when it goes on the ramp the rear wheels don't turn 😭
Luckily I bought it for a decent price, that in still within the budget of buying a decent second hand one, and now mine has lots of nice new bits. Did I mention it also had a nice new intercooler 😅
Hopefully the boost issue has been sorted with this whole escapade.

 

[MBL07XC90AWD]

I had that droning in my '07 XC90 3.2 AWD..

It was diagnosed as a bad diff. pinion bearing.

As I live in New England, I called Atlantic Motorcar [as posted above] ..
Yes, they could do the job.. The tariff would be $3500.. & No, they were not interested in R&Ring the differential... 'Send us yours' I was told.

The Volvo dealership in Concord, NH was recommended to me and can honestly say the experience was super good all the way around!
I was treated extremely well. They are good. I wish I lived closer.

All the moving parts now settled in place, my car is no longer moaning & smoother than I remember.. and oh yes.....
The bottom line: We wrote a check in an amount $800. less than the Atlantic Motorcar quote and the work was inclusive of the R&R & bearings/seals overhaul.

M