DIY: 1998 V70 Axle CV Rubber Boots Tips/Tricks

[matthew1]

I don't do bearings as a preventative job. Only when they start making noise.

[mecheng]

I don't do bearings as a preventative job. Only when they start making noise.

@ Dosbricks: See Matt's response, no need to do actually anthing on your list as PM. With the CV boot job, you don't touch the Tie Rod, but you do have access to the bearing and you remove the lower control arm so if they are needed sure; but otherwise take your wife out for dinner or save for your kids education; it is a better investment.

[dosbricks]

Thanks for the quick replies. It does need tie rod ends and outer CV boots. One of the ball joints also has a split boot.

The front bearings, which when I did the brake job earlier this year, seemed tight--no play. I'm starting to get some bearing noise from the rear though.

Do you guys replace the front axle nuts?--$9 each for OE.

[matthew1]

I didn't.

[cn90]

- Re-use the big axle nut.

- REAR noise, from what I understand, rear bearing "never goes out" on the 850 S/V70 models.
So check your tires for noise.

[erikv11]

... Could you guys share what mileage the cars have that you are working on? I am debating the wheel bearings (which are original)--they are $250 and account for half the cost of the parts. ... At 223k, I'm thinking I should spring for the FAG bearing hubs as PM and not have go back in there later. we would like to feel confident driving this car on long trips. What do you guys think?

P.S. It already has new struts/hardware, sway bar links, rotors and pads, PCV, and new coolant system. Does not leak any oil. ...

The three CV boots that have split on me happened at
124k and 18 years
145k and 14 years
170k and 16 years

A fourth one came to me already split, the car had 215k and original axles, one split boot. I didn't repair that one, it still runs smooth (no clicking) but if an axle goes out on my other cars then I use it as a loaner while I am finding time to replace the boots.

I've got other axle boots with up to 190k that have not yet split. The boots on my 225k V70 may be original, but I don't know

I've never had a front bearing need replacement on 5 Volvos, the current highest mileage is about 225k. Oh, no rear bearings either. I will leave them in until they complain.

[dosbricks]

Thanks for this info. I've not been so lucky with OE boots, but it probably has to do with our driveway which requires a sharp turn backing out of the garage.

All the above replies were helpful and saved me money--which of course, is why I'm here.

[mecheng]

GKN Outer CV boot comes with new 36mm Axel nut, so naturally I replaced it.

[mecheng]

On my 98 T5, the drivers axel has a steel dampener held together with two socket head cap screws. Has anyone been able to remove it? I tried everything but it was frozen solid. It would be easier to replace the outer cv boot by removing it. I see pics on the NA axels and it's not present.

[erikv11]

I've never seen that, LPT or HPT original axles or OEM replacements, but I have seen pics with it on late model, OEM XC axles.

It's probably an aftermarket axle? Out of curiosity, would be interesting to see a pic.