Advice on Replacing drive axle [1997 Volvo 850 GLT]

Post by **1997volvo850** » 11 May 2013, 21:09

I've spent some time reading the forum and haven't found the answers I'm looking for. I'm just
starting to look into replacing the front passenger drive axle as it's starting to make the infamous
clicking noise. Vehicle is 1997 Volvo 850 GLT.

I'm hoping some experienced members will be able to give me some ballpark figures and some
guidance.

I've heard horror stories about the cheap after market axles you can buy for $70-$125. A new OEM
axle run $300-400. I dread the idea of buying a cheap after market axle and sending back my
heavy duty OEM axle (though in some cases it doesn't appear I need to sent mine back).

I'd like to hang on to my OEM axle with the idea to either have it rebuilt in the future (in time
for the next failure - possibly on my second 850). Any idea what rebuilding the axle normally runs?

When I started shopping for axles I found the large number of used OEM axles from the increasing
number of 850's getting parted out. These used OEM axles run $50-70.

There are so many of these out there I was thinking to pick one of these up from a lower mileage
parts car and then repair the other to keep as a "spare".

Have any of you gone this route? Buying "used" in order to stick with OEM?

While I've done quite a bit of reading and watched videos on replacing the front axle I'm wondering
what this might cost to have installed at a indie shop. Any ideas? Is this roughly a few hours of labor?
The replacement seems to go quickly in the video I watched...but maybe shops have a standard
hours for this job.

Thanks in advance

Post by **erikv11** » 11 May 2013, 22:53

To pull and replace the axle will take maybe two hours if you work carefully. Add another 30 minutes if you want to replace the axle seal too.

I think spare OEM axles is a great way to go. Maybe pick up a spare, replace the boots, swap for the originals. Decide if/when to rebuild the originals.

Rebuilding the original is about $180 - 200 each if you send to raxles.com who do outstanding work. Or DIY for less than $100 per axle, cn90 found a source see links here https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=56299

And for how to pull the axle and do the boots, this is a pretty comprehensive link https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=29716

Post by **xHeart** » 12 May 2013, 07:26

1997volvo850 wrote:I've spent some time reading the forum and haven't found the answers I'm looking for. I'm just starting to look into replacing the front passenger drive axle as it's starting to make the infamous clicking noise. Vehicle is 1997 Volvo 850 GLT.

I drive 1997 850 NA with 125,000 miles.

At about 109,000 miles the front started to show wear. It happens gradually, and then few quick breakdowns, nothing like sky-is-falling. But tires were visibly uneven. If you have all originals with high mileage, breakdowns are coming.

It took me 6 months to collect parts and tools. I wanted to make best use of little i could afford. So for this first timer, three weeks to take it down bare to the knuckle and put it all back together with the help from MVS folks. I work full-time. I had the axles rebuild at RAXLES. Complete replacement of all suspension parts. New bearing hub assembly. It was at 121,000 miles when completed.

Many thanks to MVS folks!

Post by **1997volvo850** » 13 May 2013, 08:14

xHeart wrote:
I drive 1997 850 NA with 125,000 miles.

At about 109,000 miles the front started to show wear. It happens gradually, and then few quick breakdowns, nothing like sky-is-falling. But tires were visibly uneven. If you have all originals with high mileage, breakdowns are coming.

It took me 6 months to collect parts and tools. I wanted to make best use of little i could afford. So for this first timer, three weeks to take it down bare to the knuckle and put it all back together with the help from MVS folks. I work full-time. I had the axles rebuild at RAXLES. Complete replacement of all suspension parts. New bearing hub assembly. It was at 121,000 miles when completed.

Many thanks to MVS folks!

My 1997 850 has 270K odometer mile (or ~280K by reading cluster) with original axles. She's never
broke down so I'm curious how long I can go before the axle actually gives out. The axle seems to
be making less noise - especially at highways speeds - where I spend most of my commute time
driving. The CV noise really started after replacing the engine mount and wheel hub. Not sure if either
of these caused anything - the axle has been through a lot of miles.

I work full time too so it takes me a long time to do most jobs but it feels so rewarding when I'm done.

I will plan to pick up a low mileage front right axle. If I'm feeling brave I may install it myself.

As far is "rebuilding" - does this mean the same thing as replacing the boot? I read a lot about members
who clean out the CV joint, repack it with grease, and put on a new boot. Is this the same thing that
RAXLES does? I'm assuming there are situations where some of the mechanical stuff gets worn. My
impression is that they are replacing worn parts when they rebuild...

You rebuilt your entire suspension? I read your message as three weeks of working part-time on
your car to do the suspension, axle, hub. I'll be doing the suspension in the next year or so.

Thanks

PS: Is there any way to determine the date the axle was manufactured? Any secret date code?
Just wondering if there's a way to determine the date of manufacture in order to select a newer
used axle. Would be great to find an axle that had been replaces shortly before parting out.

Post by **erikv11** » 13 May 2013, 08:41

I don't know of any date codes on the axles. But I think your best bet is to find a 100k car and grab the factory axle from 1996 or whatever. I have never had CV joint problems in any factory axle, only had the boots deteriorate or get damaged, necessitating repair. If the axle has been replaced recently then it is likely a Chinese axle and those can be fine or utterly worthless.

At raxles, a rebuild consists a new CV joint, new boot, pack with new new grease, plus clean it up and paint the CV cover. You are correct in that boot and grease alone won't likely solve your problems. But you have to remove the CV to remove the boot, so you are well on your way to doing a rebuild when you go to change the boot. You just need a new CV to swap in instead, when putting it back together. It is not very technical, not a difficult job, the only challenge is in getting good quality CV and boots. One link I posted tells you how to remove both CV's, the other tells you where to buy quality CV joints.

Post by **xHeart** » 13 May 2013, 10:51

1997volvo850 wrote: My 1997 850 has 270K odometer mile (or ~280K by reading cluster) with original axles...
I work full time too so it takes me a long time to do most jobs but it feels so rewarding when I'm done.
I will plan to pick up a low mileage front right axle. If I'm feeling brave I may install it myself.
You rebuilt your entire suspension? I read your message as three weeks of working part-time on
your car to do the suspension, axle, hub. I'll be doing the suspension in the next year or so.

Our 1997 850 NA is mostly urban driven, many thousands 5-10miles trips, hence mile-to-wear ratio is much higher when comparing with our 2001 V70XC.

I work on my garage floor and do not rush, leave it alone when anxious.

I bookmark relevant MVS posts, learn and adjust as I work on it. Here is one of the many discussions you will find on pertinent topic https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 8&start=14.

Be safe!

Post by **1997volvo850** » 14 May 2013, 18:40

Does anyone know how long the axles for the 850 were used in Volvo cars?

It appears the same axle was used in the 70 series.

In buying a 'used' front axle I'm trying to purchase the youngest compatible axle I'm able to
find. Looks like the 70 series uses the same axle.

Was it used after the 70 series? Just curious since sometimes the part number changes for the
same part in later models (like the wheel hubs).

Thanks

timmyc · Post by **timmyc** » 14 May 2013, 19:42

I just finished doing the cv boots last weekend and swear that I will never do them again. It is a real PITA.
I know that some folks will chime in saying that it is not that bad, but honestly, it is worth buying a quality replacement. If you go the used route, try to find a u-pick-it yard where you can inspect the boots before they have a chance to pull and clean the part. Typically a fairly clean and supple boot means that it is newer.
If you are unsure of compatibility, take the old axle with you and compare.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 May 2013, 21:03

1997volvo850 wrote:Does anyone know how long the axles for the 850 were used in Volvo cars?

It appears the same axle was used in the 70 series.

In buying a 'used' front axle I'm trying to purchase the youngest compatible axle I'm able to
find. Looks like the 70 series uses the same axle.

Was it used after the 70 series? Just curious since sometimes the part number changes for the
same part in later models (like the wheel hubs).

Thanks

I am pretty sure sure the 98-00 x70 axles are the same. AWD axles are different, though.

After 00 the chassis changed considerably. But 93-00 all have the same bones.

Post by **1997volvo850** » 15 May 2013, 14:57

A parts guy responded

there were 4 different right front axles for a 97 850

so now I want to be sure I get the correct front right drive axle for my 1997 Volvo 850 GLT
LP Turbo. Are there different axles for NA/Turbo? Did they switch at a certain SN? Or is this
not true.

Does anyone have a list of part numbers for the 850 axles? One of the V70 axles that I found on
ebay looked a little different (but is supposed to fit my 850) so I'm wondering if the picture is
wrong or the v70s had a slightly different axle that still fits the 850 turbo.

Thanks.