08 3.2 FWD driveshafts: can I replace just the CV joint?

Post by **ogatrulle** » 01 Sep 2021, 13:38

08 3.2 FWD XC90

I'm starting to hear telltale ticking at low speed when the steering wheel is at the left steering stop, so I have some driveshaft work in my future.

It looks like brand V complete driveshafts are in the $600-$700 range. But I didn't see any a la carte CV joints. Is there a mechanical reason not to just swap the CV joint(s) (maybe the driveshaft is balanced as an assembly?)

Or does "everyone" just swap in a new complete driveshaft?

Capndirk · Post by **Capndirk** » 03 Sep 2021, 10:11

I replaced my front (FWD) axles pre-emptively at 90K with a DSS right and a Cardone left. Put about 20k on them and all is well.

Post by **ogatrulle** » 04 Sep 2021, 19:48

That's a good data point. I don't know what to think about aftermarket driveshafts, but they sure are less expensive than brand V.

Post by **cn90** » 05 Sep 2021, 20:10

- How many miles in your 08 3.2?

- If the rubber boot is not torn, you can reboot it using GKN boot, about $18 at FCPEuro.
That is for OUTER boot. You may have to find INNER boot elsewhere.
Sometimes, new grease takes care of the noise.

- Did you get underneath and look at the rubber boots for leak?

Post by **ogatrulle** » 05 Sep 2021, 20:53

160k miles. Boots are OK. I think it's just wear in the outer joint.

The last 30k miles were put on by teenaged son, however, so it's possible there has been some, ah, "abuse."

Post by **xHeart** » 06 Sep 2021, 06:57

ogatrulle wrote: ↑05 Sep 2021, 20:53 160k miles. Boots are OK. I think it's just wear in the outer joint.

The last 30k miles were put on by teenaged son, however, so it's possible there has been some, ah, "abuse."

I replaced the front pair with Volvo/GKN. Here is a pix of OE axle at 155,000 miles.