Axle shaft & seal? (2004 XC70)

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 15:39

Pulling the axle to replace - hoping to get to the subframe bushings and motor mounts next.

Advice on the seal? I did some light scraping with a pick.

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 15:40

Have a new Corteco here….

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 15:59

It doesn’t look bad, but it’s out.
Used a long bent needle nose and pried carefully behind it.

A 30mm deep socket seems about the right size to push it in with.

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 16:28

In.

The old one was just a hair in from flush, so I tried to match that.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 01 Jul 2025, 17:11

That seal doesn't really do anything important, its just a dust/ water seal. Did you get the driver's axle out without a fight?

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 17:45

Seems like a good time to top up the angle gear, as the axle shaft isn’t in the way. My case is wet - could be seals? I tightened up the case bolts along the bottom - just a snug and most didn’t move much, I’ve nervous around aluminum.

I tried the filler plug next and it is NOT coming out. I used quite a lot of force including a dead blow mallet on a box end - started to mar the head. I’m not going to force it in aluminum.
So how much oil is in there…??

Post by **BlackBart** » 01 Jul 2025, 17:48

Blacklab467 wrote: ↑01 Jul 2025, 17:11 That seal doesn't really do anything important, its just a dust/ water seal. Did you get the driver's axle out without a fight?

Yep, seemed surprisingly easy….uh oh..
It’s 95 here, I’m in an open garage with fans running. I think I’ll stop for dinner.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 01 Jul 2025, 21:50

It holds about 800 ml as I recall and takes Volvo pn ; 31259380. They're usually pretty greasy so It'd be good to find out how much is in there, maybe try an impact or a half inch drive ratchet. The drain/ fill plug will be iron ant the aluminum threads on the Angle gear are coarse and large so I wouldn't be afraid to reef on it. Are those new axles GKN? If not, keep your old ones around.

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Jul 2025, 10:07

OK, big breaker bar on a tiny socket and my foot on the frame, it came out. Copper washer smashed by somebody.
I have the Volvo angle gear oil.
I used 3 basters full with my arm through the subframe like the axle would do. 2 ticks down on the bottle.
New aluminum crush washer.

Axle is new from 1A Auto - we’ll see.

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Jul 2025, 19:39

I’m going home, I’m exhausted. Got everything supported and loose underneath, drilled out rear SF bushings - it’s way easier if you don’t grind the bit against the steel hole……