Learned a lesson today, only OEM from now on!

Jaguar xjs · Post by **Jaguar xjs** » 12 Nov 2016, 12:17

I've been reading here for a few months about the quality of aftermarket parts. I need a right cv axle so bought a new one from NAPA for $80.00. Warning flag should have gone up since I know a blue box is about $430. Second flag was Made in China. Third flag was the inner shafts diameter was less than the original. But I pressed on.

The OEM came out very smoothly with no issues. Lubricated the splines and polished areas with ATF. I tried for 6 hours today to install this axle. It failed to go home by about 5/16. Tried multiple spots but no joy. The OEM slid in and out like butter. So the OEM is back in the car until I can get a quality piece. I believe raxles dot com is a quality piece?

Glad I learned my lesson but kick myself for not heeding the advice given here. No more aftermarket bits for me.

Gordon

Post by **erikv11** » 12 Nov 2016, 13:05

The axle situation is lousy. At raxles.com they only do rebuilds, so it requires sending your old one in and waiting for it to come back. Plus Marty won't always do the P80 axles any more, I think he no longer has a reliable supply of quality CV's. You have to call him and ask.

Post by **sleddriver** » 12 Nov 2016, 14:23

OP: Bummer. If I recall, NAPA used to have a decent reputation for their axles. Both of mine came from WorldPac about 15yrs ago when my indy swapped them for the OEM's as it was easier/less $$ than replacing a boot. I didn't know better then! However, mine have held up well and are silent.

Post by **cn90** » 12 Nov 2016, 14:26

1+,

The way to get Volvo OEM axle is:

1. Junk yard, make sure it is OEM and boot is not torn.
The hint is usually in the boot that says "Germany" as the axle metal part does not have any obvious marking.

2. Ebay, but search under "Volvo 850 Right Axle", then click "Used".
Ask the seller to be sure it is Volvo OEM.
Once you get it, replace the boot(s) using GKN boot.
Info in forum on that "Volvo CV Joint Interchangeability" thread.

With some diligence, you should get Volvo OEM (but used).

Post by **rguzz** » 12 Nov 2016, 14:52

RAXLES will do 850 NA only with exchange, doesn't carry 850T CVJ's anymore, says expense is now too great. If you have or find 850 NA core RAXLES is a good option, but as someone stated you need to send them the unit to rebuild. Make sure the center bearing is good.

Post by **98v70dad** » 12 Nov 2016, 22:11

You might be lucky and have a guy in your town who buys wrecked volvos and stockpiles the parts he strips. The guy I buy from here has always had the part I needed at a very reasonable price. I bought two axles for 20. I think that they are serviceable and could go right onto the car, but I'll clean out the grease and put on new boots before I install them..

The junkyard is another option, but it's a good bit of work to get the axles off. However, going to the junk yard always makes for a fun day.

Post by **precopster** » 13 Nov 2016, 04:29

I just ordered an outer GKN boot for my 2.5T XC90 from FCP and a GKN boot arrived however it's 100% plastic so now I've ordered a new CV joint with rubber boot because I can't justify all that work just to have a plastic boot fail. I really can't understand why an OEM supplier is making such garbage!!

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 13 Nov 2016, 16:14

I have a Pepboys axle and an older Napa axle that the P.O. put in. They're both doing alright. (Knock on wood!) No leaks from the transmission or anything. I did have leaks before but after swapping out the original seals, they've been dry. The driver's side axle was one of my first jobs and I didn't know to lube up the splines and to be careful with inserting the axle so I'm sure I ripped the seal when I took it out or put the axle in.

Sometimes you just got to go with what you get when you don't have the options. I can't rebuild an axle because I don't have a workbench or a vise big enough to hold an axle.

I have noticed that the Autozone's over here has two axles available for our N/A:
THE GOLD CV AXLE http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/cv-a ... 0_0_78655/
THE REMAN CV AXLE http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/cv-a ... 3_0_78655/

I'd order the GOLD one and if it fails, I'd just take it back and get one till it suffices.

ashitaka695 · Post by **ashitaka695** » 20 Nov 2016, 03:04

I got my left axle shaft from Detroit Axle. It was exactly the same as my OEM. There was no rebuilding the OEM shaft cause it had been driven for who knows how long by the PO. It was so destroyed that it was on the verge of breaking completely. When I got it I drove it a few times but the horrible noise it made when I turned scared me enough to order a new axle. I also triple checked with Detroit that the axle was for the manual transmission NA.

Post by **precopster** » 20 Nov 2016, 04:12

precopster wrote:I just ordered an outer GKN boot for my 2.5T XC90 from FCP and a GKN boot arrived however it's 100% plastic so now I've ordered a new CV joint with rubber boot because I can't justify all that work just to have a plastic boot fail. I really can't understand why an OEM supplier is making such garbage!!

Hate to quote myself but I had to correct myself!! Took me a moment to realise it however the latest GKN boots ARE made of plastic when fitted to 2006 2.5T XC90s

Changed out the factory boot today because I had tapped it ever so lightly with a hammer and split the fragile plastic boot. I used a Febest CV joint bought online but wasn't impressed by the quality; the centre hole for the axle bolt had been drilled out of square causing the axle bolt to chafe the thread on the way in. The GKN boot kits come with enough grease to fully load the boot however the Febest CV joint came with a measly tube that would have only half filled it. Also Febest's idea of boot clamps are flimsy stainless steel that I've previously wrestled with and chose to use heavy duty zip ties instead. Couldn't use the original GKN oetiker straps because they are measured for plastic and can't wrap around a rubber (thicker) boot.