Just bought an 08 XC 70, I’ve already contacted a Volvo service guy and a couple of mechanics about the annoying whine or singing tone in the differential starting about 40 mph. Apparently replacement parts that aren’t defective don’t, or hardly exist, and the bearings can wear prematurely. Anybody else chime in on this??

 

Volvo does not list internal parts for the rear diff. Only sold as a unit. As a work around I'm pretty sure the Land Rover LR2 uses the same Ford/Volvo/Land rover engine and rear diff as your car. These people at roverparts.com might can help with parts. Many others such as roverlandparts.com offer solutions also. - It appears that diff is not the most reliable

 

Thank you Hoonk, Good to have that exploded diagram and Price info. The wagon has 115,000 miles, and I’d rather take care of it now then when it gets louder. Next is getting that black coating off the wheels, I guess was an option, some day….

 

Been a few years now, but I paid around $2000.00 to have mine rebuilt. Half the price of a new one. The mechanic was L&B Auto, Rustburg, VA. I believe they said it was a common problem for XC's around that model year. The fix did the trick, never had another issue.

 

Thanks djwhitcomb. After the repair, do you hear hardly any noise in the back? About the pinion gear- I was told they were defective from Volvo, so that poses a problem if they find mine's bad. But maybe it's just the bearings.

 

When I had the dealership, we found only one solution to a used Volvo with a whine. Replace with a quality used part and move on.

You can search for parts until you are 100 years old and have the car on jack stands the whole time, or replace the differential.

 

Was good as new. The shop had a machine that presses the seals into place, not sure if it’s doable without specialized equipment. They touted a record of many successful rear diff repairs. Good luck!

 

I have the same car, an 2008 XC70 with 150K miles and the rear Diff is also whining but only at highway speeds. I agree with
the other thread response to find a used part or rebuild. I’m looking to rebuild locally.