Has anyone ever heard of dissabling the AWD to improve the fuel economy? There's this car I'm looking at, I'm told the rear drive shaft was removed to dissable AWD. Does this make sense? Is it even a good idea??

 

Hello, There have been numerous posts by people who have removed the center driveshaft when the bevel gear has gone bad or when the driveshaft needs servicing. Year and mileage please. Kira

 

'98 V70 GLT, 154k miles.

 

Having some key search terms helps alot! After much reading, the consensus seems to be that it's okay to routinely run in FWD mode by having the center drive shaft removed. One post stated the rear wheels receive only ~10% power normally. Does Tech and others agree?

 

When the center bearing on the driveshaft went on my 98 V70R, I removed the shaft and drove in FWD for several months- no issues and I did not notice any difference in fuel mileage. FYI, Colorado Driveshaft is a good source for a rebuilt shaft.