Bad axles...

[FlyingVolvo]

Right. I just went out and propped one wheel up. Still a lot of "slop", although the wheel doesn't spin all the way around now. When I was shaking it, I could see the axle moving quite a bit.

Under closer examination now (flashlight helps!), I see a lot of grease in a circular pattern on other components that is aligned with the boot clamp for the inner CV joint (connecting to transmission, driver's side). The boot is not torn, but it looks like it's lost a bunch of grease from the large clamp area.

Sorry, I don't mean to be a pain with this! Just trying to understand everything to make a good decision.

[jblackburn]

Sounds like you found it. I would start with just replacing that one axle, unless the other side looks beat up too and you're getting play there.

That inner CV joint is shot if it's got no grease, and is the most likely cause of your shaking under acceleration.

If your car is like mine, the other will follow shortly after just to be a pain.

[FlyingVolvo]

Which means I might as well just replace them both.

Now to see if it's a job I might consider doing. Are axle replacement jobs pretty straightforward on any car? I've got a neighbor who is a mechanic, but mostly works on trucks and American cars (don't think he's ever touched a Euro car which is why I mgiht be worried!), but he is quite experienced. With some write-ups from here and his background, I'm thinking it might be a good project to do?

[jblackburn]

It's more or less the same for any car. If your neighbor's got the tools, it's pretty straightforward and I'd rather do it myself than have a shop charge me $300 for.

Pick up a can (or two) of PB Blaster.

The main problem for me was getting the stupid bolts off. Throwing all my 145 lbs (yeah, I know, I've let myself go ) against it and a breaker bar, I still couldn't get the stupid thing out. My dad walked over (he's a big guy) and WHACK it came right off. The left one wasn't easy to get out of the transmission either, but sticking a small crowbar in between it and the transmission got it to come out when I jumped on it

These two are a good write-up for replacing them:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 3174#63174
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 74&start=0

[polskamafia mjl]

The rotating of the wheels in Park is completely normal. It is explained by the way a differential works. The parking pawl locks the outside of the transmission so it can't spin but the wheels still can. So why doesn't the car roll forward in park? B/c the wheels can ONLY spin in opposite directions, as you will notice from the video. On the ground, with both wheels touching the road, they obviously can't spin in opposite directions so the car can't roll. That's why you have to be very careful when parkign on ice. If it's slippery enough the car can just slide down or it may allow the front wheels to spin in opposite directions which will also allow the car to slide down.

P.S. I would suggest Raxles, they are really great and friendly service.

[FlyingVolvo]

That makes sense now, thanks! I'm calling Raxles first thing tomorrow, seen a lot of good reviews for them here and elsewhere. Just getting a price quote for now. I hope they have axles for a 2K V70XC!

[FlyingVolvo]

Just talked to Marty (nicest guy I've ever talked to on the phone!) and unfortunately he says he can't make the axles for much past a 98 model. I'm pretty bummed because they seem like such a great business. He said that any other replacement I could get would probably be bad quality ("cheap Chinese junk" as he put it).

Is there somewhere I can get OEM Volvo ones for the least $? I'm afraid to even call my local dealer...

Edit: Going to see if Axles Unlimited can do it. They look similar to Raxles.

Call my local dealer... about $450 for ONE axle. Cheap chinese junk isn't looking so bad now...

Edit 2: YES! Axles Unlimited has lifetime guaranteed re-manufactured OEM axles for $160 each. I can't afford new OEM ones, so I think these are my best option, and will be better than new DSS ones!

[jblackburn]

Edit 2: YES! Axles Unlimited has lifetime guaranteed re-manufactured OEM axles for $160 each. I can't afford new OEM ones, so I think these are my best option, and will be better than new DSS ones!

YAY! I'd say go for it.

[FlyingVolvo]

I will!

Now I talked to my neighbor-mechanic, we're going to take a look at it later to see if it's something he thinks is manageable with the tools he's got. I'm hoping that it's a yes!

Do you know what a typical shop might charge for labor to replace an axle? And double it for both axles...

[peacock]

its probably too late to get a word in edge wise in this thread but if two wheels are off the ground then they should be able to spin car in park or not. the parking brake clamps down a drum brake on the back wheels while in park locks the transmission in place.

if volvos had a live front axle then spining them would be impossible in park but with the way a differential works then u are able to spin the front wheels. one will spin forwards and the other backwards while the transmission gears and crankshaft stay put.