S70 torn boots -- how ?

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 28 Dec 2022, 10:33

Have a 98 S70 T5 and had both front axles rebuilt probably 20K ago and was just told both boots are torn.
I'm just wondering exactly how a boot gets torn. Can you actually hit some debris or a chuckhole or something like that? If so, seems that they would be always susceptible to damage. Is it hard turns? Or other factors?

This is a T5, which I think sits lower so maybe it's prone to it?

Taking it in soon and also wondering what I can expect to pay to replace the boot IF the axle is still usable.
Thanks very much.

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:08

That's about how long the GKN brand boots usually last on my 850. I always keep a spare on the shelf. Currently I have a genuine Volvo one on hand as well which I bought out of curiosity, but it looks exactly the same for 4x the price. Subzero temperatures really take a toll on them. Sadly it doesn't seem possible to buy the ones the cars shipped with originally.

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:17

The boots are probably EMPI or some other crap aftermarket brand. If you re-boot with GKN (and you should), then expect them to last about 4-5 years. GKN is the best quality replacement anyone has been able to find. These CV boots will fail mainly on time, as the rubber deteriorates, more so than on a mileage clock.

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:39

Ok -- thanks very much for that. So they just age and degrade for the most part?
Crazy. I can't believe there isn't some sort of wraparound part that could be sealed (like thermally or "something") that would make the process simpler. Seems if they can make a rubber tire to last 80k, they could do a long lasting boot.
?
Not a mechanic myself.

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:39

Ok -- GKN I'll ask for -- thanks

Post by **scot850** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:52

GKN Lobro are the OE suppliers. Unfortunately, modern rubbers are not as good and tend to degrade faster. Add to that depending on where you live use of salt and de-icing agents are aggressive on all materials in particular rubber and metal.

Washing the car regularly and including the underside can help somewhat. Aftermarket brands are unfortunately often of poor quality, I had one repaired by a Volvo specialist and the boots only lasted 6 months if that.

There are products out today that claim to help protect rubber components like CV boots. I have just put some on a pair of axles I have for spares, but have yet to do it on my actual car as it will be interesting to see how long they last. Having said that, my 00 R is low mileage annual use and off the road for the winter these days. I will try it on my son's car as it is used year around.

Neil.

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 28 Dec 2022, 11:52

Erik, maybe the warmer weather in Iowa makes your boots last longer. Here in Minneapolis the GKN boots rarely last 3 years, normally they're cracking apart after 2 years. I always inspect them when I mount the summer tires.

I bought a 2001 VW Golf brand new and junked it in 2018. It went to the scrapyard with the OEM boots and axles. The boots were some kind of thermoplastic, possibly polypropylene. Maybe someday I'll buy one and see if it fits the Volvo.

Post by **misha** » 28 Dec 2022, 13:48

Gkn are oem for p80.
That is what you get in blue Volvo box....GKN/Lobro is oem supplier.

I always use them and they lasts around 7-8 years before they crack.

850oldschool · Post by **850oldschool** » 28 Dec 2022, 14:03

GKN versus blue box Volvo for comparison:

mar601 · Post by **mar601** » 28 Dec 2022, 14:12

What should I expect to pay to have both replaced? 98 S70 T5.
Thanks.