2003 s40 wiggle in front CV shaft segment

MikeNN · Post by **MikeNN** » 05 Jun 2015, 13:39

Hello all,

I finally identified the clanking noise going over bumps that I have been hunting down for a month now.

The segment of the CV shaft on the passenger side between the inboard joint and outboard joint has some wiggle to it. It will move about 2mm back and forth between the two joints, meaning directly toward and away from the wheel hub. It has no give in any other direction. It can be quite easily moved back and forth within the 2mm or so give, and makes a sharp clinking noise when it hits its limit. It springs up toward the inboard joint when let go.

Does this indicate that the whole CV shaft assembly needs to be replaced, or is it something that can just be tightened up? I can't really see what it going on because all the joints are covered in those rubber guards.

Thanks a lot.

Post by **alschnertz** » 06 Jun 2015, 05:44

Is the play in the joint itself or at the hub/wheel assembly?
Make sure the axle nut is tight.
Also, the right side driveshaft has a center bearing. Make sure the bolts holding the carrier bearing are tight.
Bottom line, I don't think there is supposed to be any in/out movement of the shaft.

MikeNN · Post by **MikeNN** » 06 Jun 2015, 12:43

The play is entirely in the joints. The shaft segment can move back and forth a bit between the inboard and outboard joints. The hub itself and everything attached to it seem perfectly tight.

I'm really hoping it's something I can fix, since that little assembly with both joints looks like it's going to cost about $450 for the part alone.

Post by **alschnertz** » 07 Jun 2015, 06:18

This part? Looks like it's around 100 bucks.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -v40-7814n

MikeNN · Post by **MikeNN** » 07 Jun 2015, 14:28

alschnertz wrote:This part? Looks like it's around 100 bucks.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -v40-7814n

Well for $100 I might as well just change it out. Thanks!

The OEM parts from Tasca are insanely expensive
http://www.tascaparts.com/auto-parts/2003/volvo/s40/base-trim/1-9l-l4-gas-engine/front-drive-axle-cat/front-axle-scat
Does anyone know if Empire makes decent parts? I know the general rule for Volvos is 'if in doubt, go with the OEM parts' but if we are talking 5X more I think I'll make an exception.

Post by **alschnertz** » 08 Jun 2015, 02:02

MikeNN wrote:Does anyone know if Empire makes decent parts? I know the general rule for Volvos is 'if in doubt, go with the OEM parts' but if we are talking 5X more I think I'll make an exception.

That's pretty much how I look at it too.
I just put an Empire left driveshaft on my '01 and had no issue installing it. Time will tell how it holds up.
FCP offers a lifetime guarantee.