axle options

vovo850 · Post by **vovo850** » 18 Mar 2021, 16:45

I need to replace my passenger axle. FCP can't get one, they don't know when they will be available again.
I'm not keen to buy from dealership if they have it..
So what options do I have for a quality axle? Napa? Oreilly's IDD line?
GSP, Cardone? the latter 2 are from rockauto. I figure if I'm stuck getting a cheap axle it might be better to
get it locally to make the return easier. They all have a lifetime guarantee if it really matters.

backstory.. My boot was shot, decided to do both axles. At the time I was working a lot.. This was 2019 november.
I did the drivers side and said heck with it, I don't have time to fix the other side. So I took it to a local mechanic.
It isn't rocket science,you've done one axle/boot you can do em all pretty much..
Well guess what side cv is shot, not the side I did. I haven't even put 2k miles on it, when it decided to start making noise.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 18 Mar 2021, 17:34

I found Detroit Axle has rebuilt axles for your car with great prices and lifetime warranty. I can't vouch for the quality, but the brand has been mentioned here at MVS before. Web site:
https://www.detroitaxle.com/shop/cv-axl ... 0&vsmd=GLT

volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 18 Mar 2021, 17:37

Also check with Raxles in SC (NC?). Good service, top quality, not sure if he builds Volvo axles.

vovo850 · Post by **vovo850** » 18 Mar 2021, 18:18

volvolugnut wrote: ↑18 Mar 2021, 17:34 I found Detroit Axle has rebuilt axles for your car with great prices and lifetime warranty. I can't vouch for the quality, but the brand has been mentioned here at MVS before. Web site:
https://www.detroitaxle.com/shop/cv-axl ... 0&vsmd=GLT

volvolugnut

I looked at them, it appears their axle does not have the ABS ring. I kind of need that..
Here is the axle from their site
https://www.detroitaxle.com/shop/cv-axl ... rranty-13/
Automatic Transmission w/o ABS ; w/Turbo; Check Compatability Table for Engine Specs

Post by **volvolugnut** » 18 Mar 2021, 18:43

Is the ABS tone ring built into your axle or does it press on or other wise attach to the axle? My 2001 V70 does not have a tone ring on the axle. I guess it is part of the hub.
volvolugnut

vovo850 · Post by **vovo850** » 18 Mar 2021, 18:56

volvolugnut wrote: ↑18 Mar 2021, 18:43 Is the ABS tone ring built into your axle or does it press on or other wise attach to the axle? My 2001 V70 does not have a tone ring on the axle. I guess it is part of the hub.
volvolugnut

It's my understanding they are pressed on and when they break, you're sol because you can't fix it.
I could be wrong.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Mar 2021, 21:54

Your only option for a quality axle is to get one from a junkyard P80 car. Or look for a part-out here on the forums. For your non-turbo FWD car, any FWD auto axle will work, 95-98 turbo or non-turbo.

raxles.com got out of the P80 business about three years ago but you could try them. I don't think they will rebuild a crap aftermarket axle, however.

If not getting a used axle I might go with local as in your first post. It will break and the exchange is easier from a brick and mortar store.

vovo850 · Post by **vovo850** » 19 Mar 2021, 10:22

My only concern with sourcing a used axle is the unknown.. I could and probably should replace the boot and grease in it,
I'm just not confident that it would be trouble free and possibly be no better than a aftermarket one.
What has been the experience with going that route?

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Mar 2021, 11:06

I hear ya on the unknown. Problem with the new axles is the known!

On a used Volvo axle if the boot is intact then the grease inside is probably fine. Basically no one (yes, there are exceptions) has trouble with the CVs until the boots split. Then if you catch it early after splitting and keep it clean before refreshing it is still nearly immortal, probably 300k is a good estimate. I've only replaced P80 axles due to (1) car came with an aftermarket axle or (2) the boot split and I did not catch it in time then the CV got loose. I'm really surprised by your experience with the mechanic, I wonder what he did to ruin the CV assuming it was the factory one (forgot to grease it?).

My routine for a used axle is
- try to ensure it is a factory axle not a replacement. The factory ones look old and beat up but not rusted. Sometimes you can find a Volvo sticker on the CV
- pull it, check the CV, it should not feel loose by hand
- if boot not cracking then install. if cracking then re-boot with GKN/Lobro boot ONLY, pack with grease, this boot will be good for about 7 years in midwest climate but presumably longer elsewhere.

vovo850 · Post by **vovo850** » 19 Mar 2021, 13:29

I won't know until I pull the axle on what he did.

Guy across the street uses him so I figured why not, he is a nice guy. He buggered up another vehicle of mine as well..
When he finished my car I took my truck to him for exhaust manifold gasket. He buggered that as well.
So I was done with him anyway after the truck fiasco, than in the last couple months the cv started clicking..
At least his price was reasonable but it still ended up costing me more..
It's what I get for not doing my own work..
I'll look around for used and see what's available before anything else. I think I still have time on this CV..