Jagman,

I've read several of your helpful posts on troubleshooting the AWD systems and the failure of the spine coupler between the bevel gear and tranmission.

We just acquired a 2003 XC70 (100K miles) at a great price but just found out the AWD is not engaging. I did you test of jacking the front wheel and did see the prop shaft spinning while the car is in N and turning the jacked front wheel.

I guess there is a chance there is enough friction to allow this behavior but not enough friction from a bad spline coupler underload...but I also would assume there would be quite a bit of noise up front. Would you agree?

I'm hoping this could be the case as the price of even used parts for the rear end are a bit scary! I have a Chinese Vida Dice on the way (before this discovery) so that me help me troubleshoot any issues with the electronic part of the rear viscous differential.

Any thoughts you may have on my comments would be appreciated.

Shawn
Central Ohio