GSP or FEB Axles - DON'T DO IT!

spseminara · Post by **spseminara** » 26 May 2011, 23:50

I noticed that the inner boot on my driver’s side axle was ripped after 180,000 miles on it. About 12 years ago when I did them originally I just purchased the boots from the dealers. After speaking with a couple of mechanics they all recommended on just purchasing a new axle since it's easier and costs under $100. Apparently after a call to my local Volvo parts dept. the boots are no longer available; only full axles are available for $400.

Night #1: Pickup Full Axle from Advanced Auto (GSP) for $100.00
Installed in under 60 minutes.
Once on the highway I noticed a bit of a vibration between 50-60 when approaching WOT.

Night #2: Pickup Full Axle from CarQuest (FEB) for $120.00
Installed in 90 minutes since the C clip in the GSP was in there pretty good.
When installing I also verified that the FEB unit is marked GSP
Once on the highway I noticed the same vibration.

Night #3: Pickup Replacement Boots (REIN) for Volvo original Axle
Installed in under 90 minutes
Once on the highway, BLISS.

I read all the reviews and I should have listened. The China aftermarket Axles are TERRIBLE.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 27 May 2011, 01:18

I installed a RAXLES axle today on the '94 along with new struts, spring seats, and tie rod ends. I'm a happy camper.

Marty charges a comparative butt-load for the axles ($180.00 plus freight) but they are right.

Along the way I discovered that the sway bar end link on the passenger's side was twisted up like a pretzel and my local options were limited. I wound up with a Karlyn end link which has the nifty German flag sticker on the box and then another sticker that said Made in Taiwan - I have my doubts but I needed to get the car back on the road.

...Lee

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 May 2011, 07:50

Along the way I discovered the sway bar link end was twisted up like a pretzel

That's what happens when you drive like this, Lee

Raxles are great - you can tell they are well worth the price as soon as you open the box. Although I used them, OP your post makes me wonder if I still have a bad CV joint in one of them. I can feel no play, but I do get this weird little shaking a bit under torque (say climbing a hill or something). It seems fine at higher engine speeds, so I'm a bit stumped too.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 27 May 2011, 08:04

jblackburn wrote:I do get this weird little shaking a bit under torque (say climbing a hill or something). It seems fine at higher engine speeds, so I'm a bit stumped too.

That's exactly what led me to replace my axles. The inner joints will apparently cause that weird vibration/shaking when under load. Once I got to cruising speed it would be fine, but accelerations or steep grades would cause it to shake a decent amount.

Axles Unlimited (http://www.axlesunlimitedinc.com/) also make axles for these cars, including some of the ones that Raxles does not (like a 2000 V70XC for example). They also re-manufacture the OEM axles and I've been very pleased with the quality.

Post by **jblackburn** » 27 May 2011, 09:47

Right, and I've had it happen on a car before only when you were accelerating hard like the OP said his was. Mine only happens in an upper gear though - if you downshift or mash the gas any harder, no shaking. It probably is the axle though; I can't find anything else wrong.

GlennKorec · Post by **GlennKorec** » 30 Jul 2011, 16:58

Can anyone tell me is DSS is a good brand of axle.I bought an entire kit to rebuild my font end with the following:

DSS axles, both sides.
FCP control Arms
HLC Sway bar links
Sachs Struts
URO Strut mounts
HLC tie rod ends.
Sachs rear shocks
FCP Front wheel hub bearings (both sides)

Thanks,

rangema · Post by **rangema** » 11 Aug 2011, 06:02

Inexpensive suspension components made in China (PROC)are a waste of time and money in my experience. I have however, had success with more expensive components made in Taiwan (ROC). The Taiwan parts were still much less expensive than OEM.

Post by **precopster** » 11 Aug 2011, 07:38

I called Marty last night about the possibility of supplying an axle for my newly aquired 2002 XC70 and it was no can do.

He can however supply anything pre-99. He said there is so much rubbish on the market that he just won't sell so I kinda like that integrity. I ended up paying $275 for a used OEM locally in Melbourne.

rangema · Post by **rangema** » 13 Aug 2011, 19:02

Amen, so much rubbish is right and most of it is coming from the world's next financial giant. Seems strange to me.