Driver Side Axle

Post by **shaker_chi** » 10 Jul 2017, 22:56

So was digging into the project car and the boot on the driver side front axle is in need of replacement. I have gone aftermarket in the past and regretted it like most. O/E axles are over $400. How much can I expect to pay to have this one rebuilt? Lastly, is the rebuild kit different for the depending on the transmission?

Post by **scot850** » 10 Jul 2017, 23:08

What do you mean by a rebuild kit? Most that still have the Volvo axles prefer to keep them and just fit new CV boots with fresh grease.. The axle parts usually last a very long time as long as the boots haven't been split for too long and are cleaned out carefully.

As to how much it cost to re-build I have no idea as I do it myself. As to OE I was quoted over $600 for a RH axle for my 2000 V70 NA with a 5 speed auto box. Bought the only axle I could find from Erie Vo-vo (lifetime warranty on used Volvo parts). Unfortunately the only axle to be found in North America for my application was damaged by UPS and they split the outer boot. The RH axle also has a carrier bearing and I was quoted over $200 for the bearing alone!

Neil.

Post by **shaker_chi** » 11 Jul 2017, 01:23

When I said rebuild kit, I mean the boot kit you can buy online and do it yourself. Just watched a couple videos and doesn't look too hard. I'll give it a shot. I remember removing the driver side axle from my 94 850 and it was difficult to remove because of the locking ring. Any suggestions on how to remove it other than brute force.

Post by **FLXC90** » 11 Jul 2017, 01:32

A 5/8-in chisel is the ticket, place between the axle and trans, and you can just tap with a hammer, I tried pry-bars and big screwdrivers, but the chisel works so sweet.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Jul 2017, 12:35

There are different part numbers depending on which car you have as there are different axles and manual and autos I believe have different axles. Many still use the same boots. Any good supplier should be able to get the correct ones for you. Try FCP or anyone that supplies GKN-Lobro boots as they are the OEM and many of us have used them successfully. One point to note is as suggested by others here, re-use the lock ring that is on the axle rather than the flimsy one that comes in the kit.

Which car are you repairing, you don't say. Is it manual or auto?

Neil.

bugs11 · Post by **bugs11** » 11 Jul 2017, 14:43

+1 on using a chisel method. I struggled to get the drivers side axle off of my 96 850 until I tried the chisel trick, that popped the axle right out slick as you please. I purchased rebuilt axles from FCP Euro; so far so good.

Post by **shaker_chi** » 11 Jul 2017, 16:03

Neil,

It's a manual. When you used the chisel I assume you wedged it between the axle and transmission and knocked the axle away from the transmission.

Post by **FLXC90** » 11 Jul 2017, 16:47

Yes,place it up between the inner joint and the trans housing maybe just aft of the axle, the wedge of the chisel provides the pull, and there's just enough lift to overcome the weight of the axle. It will amaze you vice your 850 experience.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Jul 2017, 21:28

My best source for GKN CV boots has consistently been AutoHausAZ.

PeteB · Post by **PeteB** » 15 Jul 2017, 07:14

Info on boots: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64252&p=346662&hili ... di#p346662

Just did the driver's side last month, doing passenger now.