My V70 (w/120k miles) started to make a squeeky noise from the front (driver side) wheel hub, and after raising that wheel off the ground I noticed that the noise comes from inside the differential and also noticed a larger backlash than normal when you rotate the wheel back and forward.

I am not the original owner and you can see that the transmission was open (repaired..?) before because they use a different color sealant, when I bought this girl it had about 60k miles and no noises were coming from the transmission and four years later it has 120k I have the squeeky noise also when you load/unload the axles, but only on the drivers side...

If the backlash had increased can you remove the cover and add a thicker spacer (shim) to tighten the backlash a bit? Can this be done easily? Or should I take it to a transmission specialist?

Thank you for your comments and suggestions!

 

I'm no transmission person let alone specialist but I don't see where a shim or spacer could effect CW-CCW play.
Is that squeaky noise rhythmic like an unlubed joint or is it a high pitched single squeak?
A suspension member might grunt (in a high pitched way) into and out of position with loading and unloading.
Every time I turn one of my front axles back and forth I'm always surprised by how much play there is.

You were able to pinpoint the squeak's source as coming from inside the differential? If you go to a trannie man be sure to show him that.
If you need to raise a corner and remove a wheel let him know that and offer to pay for his time.
Just do it at home before you go to ensure you're not wasting time and money.

If transmission fluid lubes the diff maybe make sure your fluid is not filthy first. If you do a drain & fill and notoriously filthy fluid comes out you'll have gained some knowledge.

 

George, thank you for your comments, yes the noise comes from the differential and also if you are driving, when pushing and releasing the gas pedal (loading / unlading) the transmission you can feel (and hear..) the excessive backlash..

I know that certain transaxles have a cover on one side (where the axle connects to the transmission) and here is where the adjusting shims go, to adjust the bearing preload, I just never disassembled a Volvo transaxle before, that is why I am hoping someone here that has done it before could share his comments or suggestions, thank you!