Just replaced the driveshaft centre bearing and bearing support on my 1994 940GL wagon with parts sourced from FCP Groton - Scantech brand. I had 3 new universal joints fitted at the same time (GKN ones made in Europe). Not having a press to remove driveshaft bearings, or a large enough bench vise to do the universals, I got a local mechanic to do the work - I supplied the parts.

The drivetrain now makes a continous bearing type noise - a little bit like the drivetrain noise you get in some 4 wheel drives. Nothing is rubbing on the driveshaft or loose.

The reason I did the driveshaft refurb was in a move to eliminate an annoying shudder / drumming sound on slowing down. Well, I've sort of eliminated it I guess, as the bearing noise partially drowns out the drumming noise ! Reminds me of when I was a kid and driven insane by an insect bite, and I followed my sisters suggestion of cutting myself elsewhere, so that the pain of the new injury made me forget about the previous problem...

The mechanic who did the removal of old driveshaft bearing and fitment of the new one said that he wasn't impressed with the new bearing, and that it ran less smoothly than the old one in his opinion. The bearing had no brand on it that I could deduce.

Everything is aligned as before on the driveshaft as I took care to paint mark the alignment before disassembly. What I have is not a balance or vibration problem, just an annoying continuous drivetrain noise. Someone unfamiliar with Volvos would possibly just accept the noise as normal, but it was noticeably quieter before.

Anyone else had noise problems with Scantech driveshaft bearings ?

I think I'll remove the shaft and try using another bearing - this time a name brand one such as SKF.

Any comments / advice appreciated.

John Marshall
1994 940GL wagon
Christchurch NZ