Can any of the Brickboarders advise how I can ascertain from the VIN whether my 1999 s80 2.9L has a viscous coupler on the front drive axle shafts.

Thanks

Viscous coupling is only with AWD cars, for the rear wheels. FWD only has a differential.

Klaus
--
Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

Klaus, apparently the '97' in my VIN indicates that my car does have a viscous coupling on the drive shafts. Mort

If you want to see if the VIN is wrong, look on the front right axle between the tranny and the CV for a coffee can like device on the axle. That would be the viscous coupler. Don't ask what it does for you. Never figured that one out.
Larry P

Thanks, Larry will check tomorrow morn. Would there be one on the left side as well.

Mort

Larry and Klaus, thanks for your comments and advice.

I tackled the job over the last weekend and replaced both drive shafts with new ones.

The information I was given that the VIN indicated my car had a viscous coupling was incorrect.

What do I do with the old ones?

Mort

Call your county recycling yard or find a private metal recycler.

BTW, viscous couplings are only used on AWD cars. The FWD and RWD cars use a limited slip differential and ABS to control wheel spin.

Klaus
--
Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

I beg to differ, Klaus. S80 cars, mostly the T6, are available with a viscous coupling on the right front drive axle. It's purpose is to act somewhat like a limited slip diff...

My the car gods keep me away from S80s !!!
--
Just driving a 1998 V70R :)