Uh oh. '99 70XC axle shaft seperated during strut replacemen

carlsun · Post by **carlsun** » 16 Jan 2010, 18:59

1999 V70XC

I was in the process of reinstalling the strut into the bracket on the A arm on the passenger side. I had the lower bolt in place when the floor jack slipped away from underneath the A arm. The strut pushed the bracket and A arm down and away.

I felt the axle shaft was loose within the CV joint boot.

I then jacked up the A arm again, clamped the bracket against the strut to put the upper bolt in place.

After I replaced everything (except the wheel) and tightened to spec, I checked the axle again. It seemed solid so I rotated the driver's side front wheel to see if the right hub would turn. It did without any noise or atypical resistance.

Is it possible that I haven't done any damage, or do I need to have a qualified mechanic examine the CV joint?

carlsun · Post by **carlsun** » 16 Jan 2010, 21:59

Ok. Unfortunately I can tell by rotating the brake rotor that the axle did not slip back into place. It is just being held generally in place by the boot.

Can I cut the boot to see if I can get it back in place myself to get it to a mechanic, or should I not bother and have it towed?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Jan 2010, 00:00

I assume you are talking about the inner joint. You may or may not be screwed but don't cut the boot at all. You may need to cut the clamp around the boot but release the boot from the inner side and then shove the axle back together. You can buy a new clamp at the auto parts store.

There are - as I recall - 4 ball bearings (large ones) and then a cheesy tin stop that holds that joint together but ultimately the inner C/V joint boot holds things in place. I think it relies on being in a pressure situation where it it being pushed inward rather than being pulled apart. If it came apart pack it with grease before you put it back together.

During the course of changing an axle I managed to bugger one up so I got a glimpse of what the innards looked like.

...Lee

carlsun · Post by **carlsun** » 17 Jan 2010, 16:30

It's the one closest to the wheel hub. Should I still follow your suggestion?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Jan 2010, 07:56

Wow,

The outer joint should be held in with keepers - I am very surprised that it came apart at all. If it did just replace the axle.

There is a Bay 13 writeup that will give you more insight into how it is supposed to fit together.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/cv_boot.html

...Lee

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 19 Jan 2010, 08:16

Yeah, unfortunately, that can't be fixed and even if it could, it would be cheaper to just replace it. Here is a link to a new front axle. Scroll to the bottom to see which one you need.