Anybody running NON-Volvo CV joints on their driveshaft? Topic is solved

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 Jul 2019, 00:30

Obviously pertinent to AWD P2's only

There's really not a whole lot of reviews out there for the aftermarket CV joints.

That front one (bellows type seal, in particular) just takes a beating right there by the cat.
My front & rear joints feel fine, just that front bellows seal is all sorts of messed up. Can't get just the seal & the kits from Volvo/FCP are pretty cost prohibitive.

I'm tempted to just get the aftermarket cheaper stuff & just use the seal out of it & keep my original CV joint.

Anyhow, just thought I'd ask before I commit one way or the other. Not looking good for Volvo genuine parts sales on this one so far!

Post by **abscate** » 20 Jul 2019, 05:02

How about Erie for a used one?

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jul 2019, 08:38

I put a driveshaftparts.com front CVJ on the 2004 V70R I had and it has now run 95K miles with it. I sold the car but I still service it.

Post by **cn90** » 20 Jul 2019, 08:57

- Aftermarket (mostly Chinese) CV joint is hit-or-miss...

- The best approach is visit a local junk yard. Over the years, I find that most axles at junk yards are in fact Volvo OEM with intact boots.
Those are the axles that you want.
Buy them for cheap (around $25-$30/each).

- Then order GKN boots from places like FCPEuro for cheap ($10-$15/each).

- Reboot both inner and outer and now you have a "brand-new" OEM axle for about $40-$45 when all the costs are taken into account.

- You basically "have to work to get what you want"...LOL.

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 Jul 2019, 09:54

CN90, haha, I've discovered your helpful tidbit on my own for the half shafts as well.

I'm talking about the driveshaft CV joints, not the half shaft CV joints. And actually, my CV joints are fine, I just need the bellows shaped rubber seal that keeps the grease in the front joint capsule. Thus I'm rather unwilling to shell out $329-400 for an entire Genuine Volvo joint kit. The front CV joint is literally ~2" away from the catalytic converter.

For now, to sorta curtail the grease's escape path I ziptied one of those pink heavy duty shop rags around the necked down front portion of the shaft. Hopefully it doesn't catch on fire!

I see Colorado Driveshaft has a listing on eBay for a CV joint kit. I think they are about the only company still rebuilding Volvo driveshafts & from memory seem to have rave reviews from fellow Volvo owners. I sent them an email to inquire the country of manufacture & quality comparison to OEM.

I'll check out your link Jimmy, thanks.

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:11

The CV joints provided by Colorado Driveshafts are made in Turkey. The rubber boot is thicker than the OEM boots I removed. They cost $75 each.

I installed them on my driveshaft last May and have been holding fine for the last 3k miles

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80803&p=506806&hili ... do#p506806

EDIT:

Order directly from them and you'll get a lifetime warranty. Give Dave a call next Monday. After the purchase you'll get an email purchase confirmation with the USPS priority tracking #

http://coloradodriveshaft.com/

Post by **cn90** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:11

Ooops,

Sorry, this is driveshaft Front CV Joint...

I just searched ebay and coloradodriveshaft has an aftermarket CV joint listed for $75 ("European Aftermarket" per listing):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-drive-sh ... 8124!US!-1

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:27

Yep, that's the same one I found yesterday. I emailed them about it so I'll let ya know what their response contains.

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:29

XC70Rider wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 10:11 The CV joints provided by Colorado Driveshafts are made in Turkey. The rubber boot is thicker than the OEM boots I removed. They cost $75 each.

I installed them on my driveshaft last May and have been holding fine for the last 3k miles

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80803&p=506806&hili ... do#p506806

EDIT:

Order directly from them and you'll get a lifetime warranty. Give Dave a call next Monday. After the purchase you'll get an email purchase confirmation with the USPS priority tracking #

http://coloradodriveshaft.com/

Awesome! Thanks John. That's that route I'll most likely go then.

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 20 Jul 2019, 10:33

- Pete - wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 10:29
XC70Rider wrote: ↑20 Jul 2019, 10:11 The CV joints provided by Colorado Driveshafts are made in Turkey. The rubber boot is thicker than the OEM boots I removed. They cost $75 each.

I installed them on my driveshaft last May and have been holding fine for the last 3k miles

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=80803&p=506806&hili ... do#p506806

EDIT:

Order directly from them and you'll get a lifetime warranty. Give Dave a call next Monday. After the purchase you'll get an email purchase confirmation with the USPS priority tracking #

http://coloradodriveshaft.com/
Awesome! Thanks John. That's that route I'll most likely go then.

Before calling them on Monday email them your VIN. They required that from me to directly match the CV joints.