Made AWD into FWD cv joint then failed

ddavis6900 · Post by **ddavis6900** » 20 Dec 2017, 09:50

Hi, I removed the drive shaft and right angle gear (the gear box in the front) of my 2004 xc70. Following advice on several forums, I used a hose clamp to hold the pass. side cv joint in place where it enters the tranny (see image attached...picture isn't mine but from a forum where I learned how to do it...mine would look exactly like this though.). This was necessary because of the angle gear being removed. Someone said that they've been driving theirs like this for years and almost 100K miles without a problem. But on mine, a few months later the pass. side cv joint failed. I wondered what you all think of these possible causes: 1. The struts were bad and sagging. Could this cause CV joint failure, or 2. I maybe mishandled the cv joint when removing/replacing after taking out the right angle gear. Could I have over-bent it or pulled it apart or something? or 3. The right angle gear being gone maybe puts stress on the cv joint. or 4. Stuff happens and there was no connection to any work done. I should add that the cv joint was only two years old.

I've now had a proper mechanic replace the struts and cv joint, but his only option was to use the hose clamp again as in the picture. He said maybe someone makes or has a collar that would replace that, but I can't find anything. I've seen suggestions for making/welding something, but that's beyond my skill set/tool set and it didn't seem any better than the hose clamp, but a lot more work.

My concern is that if #3 above was the cause of the failed cv joint that the new one will also fail quickly.

I appreciate any opinions/advice or experience anyone has had on this issue. Thanks! Dave

Post by **abscate** » 20 Dec 2017, 18:20

If the replacement CV was cheap. 2 years is about right for lifetime

If you don't remember the tears over the price, it was cheap.

ddavis6900 · Post by **ddavis6900** » 20 Dec 2017, 19:18

Abscate: It wasn't cheap and it was installed by a Volvo mechanic who either used Volvo parts or sometimes an aftermarket part but only if he had experience with the brand. But that was rare. Of course, I can't go back to him on the parts or labor because I'm the one who removed the angle gear and drive shaft permanently and removed the cv joint to do it and put it back together with a hose clamp to top it off!

I suspect that would let him off the hook. I don't know enough about it to know if it's even possible that I caused the cv joint to go bad by improperly reinstalling it?? Thanks for the reply.