Would bad CV ball joint means replace axle?

[cn90]

xHeart,

On the topic of "lifespan of a CV Joint": If the rubber boot is regularly checked and replaced as soon as you see minor cracks (major cracks will open any time and dirt/sand gets in very quickly), the CV Joint made by GKN-Lobro easily lasts the life of the car, even more than 350K miles.

In contrast to wheel bearing balls which spin all the time, the CV Joint balls only work hard during twists and turns. On a straight line hwy cruise, there is very little stress on the CV Joint itself. Inner side is Tripod, Outer side is ball bearings.

See this VW thread:
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=338826

With "only" 361k miles on my 02 Golf TDI when I sold it last year the CV joints and their original boots were still perfectly fine and it was still too early to tell how long they would last.

[cn90]

...Example:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Outer-CV-Join ... 625wt_1196

---> This seems to match 1994-97 Volvo 850 and 1998 S/V70 models AT and with 125kW power.

Update for those interested in this CV Joint:

GSFCarParts (in the UK) just replied to my inquiry.
The CV Joint you see in the link above is made by VIEROL AG (Vaico)...made in Germany.

The price is £28.20, free delivery in the UK.
But shipping to the US is £45.00. Additional items free shipping.
Anyway, if you are interested, email them directly and make a deal if you buy more than 2 items.

[xHeart]

Our 850 is running on OE axles rebuilt by Marty few years ago.
It now clunks at first rollout.
Is it under a lifetime warranty?

[erikv11]

Are you sure that's not a control arm bushing?

I'd just call Marty and ask. I would expect is covered but you will have to pull it and ship and then he will evaluate if the axle (CV joint) is failed when the part arrives there.

[xHeart]

Are you sure that's not a control arm bushing?

I'd just call Marty and ask. I would expect is covered but you will have to pull it and ship and then he will evaluate if the axle (CV joint) is failed when the part arrives there.

The front suspension was a complete overhaul with OE/OEM parts along with axle rebuild, and ALL that is on the knuckle. But I will check LCA again.

Shipping cost and down time as winter approaches makes to-dos a challenge.