Advice on Replacing drive axle [1997 Volvo 850 GLT]

[1997volvo850]

So the sound I thought was a bad right CV joint completely disappeared when I replaced my
completely failed front engine mount. Oh the sounds my car made...

The left axle on our other 850 started clicking in the last week or two. While inspecting the brakes
I could see the boot was ripped open.

This explains the thick grease all over the tires back when I changed my snow tires. Now I know where
the grease came from.

I've ordered the replacement driver side axle from a 1998 S70. It is supposed to be compatible.

I've seen a few different methods of changing out the axle. On volvospeed the guy removes the
control arm from the frame and that's it. Others I've seen do a lot more, like detaching the ball
joint, unbolting the struts, loosening the nuts on the mount...etc.

I'm wondering if just removing the control arm bolts from the frame will do it? Are there
downsides to this? I know I need to retorque the control arm at the same level I removed
the bolts. Some of the other methods seem like much more work...so I'm wondering if I'll
get stuck. Any advice is welcome.

Thanks

[xHeart]

This is similar to your method https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27574&start=0

[JimBee]

+ 1 on the method xHeart referenced. That's how I did the last one on my '93 854. There's a lot of hardware hanging there all together to handle, but a lot less wrenching. I found the intermediate axle mount a little tricky to get properly aligned, but with a little patience it's doable.

btw: a clerk at the local Advance Auto told me he used to work in a axle rebuilding shop and he "assured" me the rebuilt axles Advance sells are the same as Raxles.

[ThatBitch_MacGuyver]

Use a 3 prong gear puller. PB blaster. Tap on the axle stub and around the flange. Wait. Use more PB blaster, crank on the 3 prong gear puller........ See where I'm going with this? ( see my last post )

- Woody

[erikv11]

... btw: a clerk at the local Advance Auto told me he used to work in a axle rebuilding shop and he "assured" me the rebuilt axles Advance sells are the same as Raxles.

So, did he also used to work at raxles.com, is that how he knows? I don't believe it for a second.

[xHeart]

... btw: a clerk at the local Advance Auto told me he used to work in a axle rebuilding shop and he "assured" me the rebuilt axles Advance sells are the same as Raxles.

So, did he also used to work at raxles.com, is that how he knows? I don't believe it for a second.

a sidebar:
What will it take for Raxles/Marty to rebuild newer OE axles, like for my 2001 V70XC axle?

[erikv11]

I don't know the answer to that one. Just give him a call, see what he says.

[abscate]

Did we get closure on part numbers for axles?

Specifically, is the parts guy reporting 4 part numbers for 850s correct or trying to create FUD?

That seems critical to people exploring used and rebuilding parts options


All data reports my 1999 V70 front right axle assembly is 8602608 for example

[SimLyons]

OK, I read all the posts here and I still don't know how the get the axle nut off the splined shaft. On the passenger side I have a 30 mm nut. On the driver's side I have what seems like a 34mm nut (I know it is larder than 32 because my 32 won't fit!) I have tried all the ways to loosen it except heating. My torch is out of fuel.

anyway, I have used my Harbor Freight 250 ft.lb. impact wrench to no avail on the 30mm. Not the slightest movement. I'm ready for going back and getting the 600 ft. lb. impact wrench but want to know if anyone else has had this experience and found a better way. I have tried a 44" pipe on the end of my 1/2" breaker bar.

And anyone know the size of the one that is larger than 32mm?

Thanks for any and all help!

Sim

[SimLyons]

I just went out and measured the nut. It's 1 1/2 inch, or about 38mm. Weird! Now to see if I can find a socket (impact) that size~!