I recently purchased a nice 1998 V70R with about 145,000 miles on it. The car had a bad front axle boot so I took it to a trusted indy to replace the axle. He also replaced the front bearings (both sides). Anyway, the car drove fine at first but started to exhibit a lugging when going from first to second gear. On Friday, after a thirty minute drive, I noticed that the car was making a high pitched sound and then two very loud clanging sounds came from under the car. Fortunately, I was near my house and made it home. I have read quite a bit about problems with the bevel gear, etc. on this model, so I went ahead and pulled the rear drive shaft today, figuring that would eliminate several possible problems. Anyway, now the car doesn't move at all and rolls freely when in park. I suspect the new front axle is the problem. Does anyone here have other suggestions? I now realize that it was probably a mistake to have pulled the rear drive shaft.

It sounds like one of the front CV joints has failed big time.

With the trans in PARK, jack up one front wheel at a time and give the wheel a good hard spin by hand. Result?

The wheels spins freely, which is why I believe it is the axle. Too bad I didn't think of this before pulling the rear drive shaft! I figured, if it (the axle) was done by an expert rather than by me, it must be ok.

Your axle came loose from the transmission. That happens from poor mechanic work. Just shove it back in and you will be good to go. The whine you hear is the differential gear spinning, trying to make the loose axle turn.

Your AWD is just fine.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

I wonder if the mechanic forgot to tighten the center bearing carrier on the RH axle.

Shop just called to say it is a bad carrier bearing in the axle they put in for me. They are going to replace it under warranty. I hope the replacement one is better. I feel like a real dummy now for pulling the rear drive shaft. I don't think I will ever get it back in.