99 S70 Mild Clicking, Can I save my CV axle?

bootkast · Post by **bootkast** » 25 Apr 2015, 07:57

Hey guys. I know CV axles have been discussed to death -- and one of the recurring themes is the lack of quality replacement parts for a busted cv axle. That said, I'm wondering if my CV is toast or can it be recovered. Recently the car started clicking when turning (no other indicators/noises on acceleration or stopping) . Nothing too loud, but definitely noticeable. When I got under the car I saw that the cv boot on both the passenger and driver sides were torn; the tears are located on the inner portion of the boot farthest from the joint (right by the clamp).

So does the clicking mean the cv join is definitely worn and no longer usable? Is it worth taking apart the cv join to inspect? What should I be looking for exactly? (Will it be obvious?) Thanks guys for any help. You've keep this car running for the last 6 years, lets try to eek out at least another 6!

Post by **cn90** » 25 Apr 2015, 08:54

Remove the axles, clean the old grease, put on new GKN-Lobro rubber boots.
The clicking noise during turning is not a safety issue, it is only an annoying issue that hurts your ears and that is all.

Post by **misha** » 25 Apr 2015, 09:19

When it start clicking,there is nothing to save.It means that it's allready damaged.The only solution is to replace cv joint.
Like erikv11 said....if it's clicking only on full lock on either side,it's not bad.It will get worse as time is passing and that's it.

Post by **abscate** » 25 Apr 2015, 13:38

My experience with VWs is that a noisy CV can be cleaned and greased and used in service for many 10,000s of miles.

Post by **misha** » 25 Apr 2015, 14:55

Yes it can,but clicking noise will not disappear once it appears..it will become more noisy as time is passing.

Post by **mecheng** » 25 Apr 2015, 15:23

Remove the boot. If there is grease still present, you should be okay. If it's bone dry it could be an issue. Don't keep driving it unless you squeeze some grease into the boot.

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 26 Apr 2015, 00:05

Replacement outer bearings (the complex big ones that click when worn out) are available in Europe at around $110 including the new boot, clamps and grease. I've replaced all 4 on my two Volvos in the past year. They're more expensive than replacing the entire axle with a cheap aftermarket axle, but in my mind it's a better solution because you retain the original (that is, if you have an original and not aftermarket already) axle, and the quality of the part seems good. I get them from Skandix in Germany. shipping to the US would be expensive but I have to think these should also be available in the US and other parts of the world?

Post by **misha** » 26 Apr 2015, 07:18

110$ for aftermarket Skandix cv joint????
Gkn Lobro which is OEM for these cars is around 100$.

bootkast · Post by **bootkast** » 26 Apr 2015, 12:43

Awesome. I'm lucky that I have a back-up car, so it's no rush. I'll probably slowly take it apart and see what ups. As long as it not a safety issue, I think I might use this as a fun learning experience. Thanks guys! Hopefully I'll post back with some good news in a few weeks.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Apr 2015, 05:27

It will cost you a new axle bolt each time you take it apart. That's a torque to stretch bolt which should not be reused.