Transaxle Going on 1998 V70 XC AWD - How to extend life?

[KnightAB]

Hi Folks,

I was just told that the boot on the drivers side front transaxle on my wagon is busted, and that it is only a matter of time before the transaxle will need to be replaced. Evidently this might be the source of the mild scraping sound I had posted about previously, not sure about that though.

Is there any maintenance I can do to extend the life of the transaxle unit if it is already compromised due to dirt getting in through the broken boot? Replace the boot? Have it cleaned? Grease it?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

[jblackburn]

If it's already making noise, it's too late for that driveshaft. It needs to be replaced - the CV joint is dying. No point in changing the boot and removing the axle if you can do the same amount of labor just to put a new/rebuilt one in.

The boots just wear out over time - it's a fact of having a FWD car. Some companies use better quality products than others to begin with, and those will last you longer.

Most people around the site would highly recommend R-axles to you.

[KnightAB]

OK, Jblackburn, thank you!

[schmidm90]

I emailed R-Axles a few weeks back when I was having issues with my 2000 V70XC and they said they did not have these axles in stock any longer. I picked up one at Autopart International and it has been great. The overall job to install it is not that bad. A few hours and it will be in. Make sure you put something under the car to catch the transmission fluid that will leak when you pull the old drive shaft out. Also make sure you push the new drive shaft all the way in!!! The best way for me to do this was to lay under the car and use both hands and push it as hard as I could.

If you have any questions while doing it let me know!

[jblackburn]

R-axles do have them for 1998 models; but I know they do not for 1999-2000 models.

Rebuilt aftermarket ones seem to be a luck of the draw - some have great results with them; some fail very quickly or wobble on acceleration.

If you don't intend on keeping the car at least another 3-5 years, I'd probably go the parts store route instead.

[erikv11]

I can only say +1 to the good advice offered. so far. And that if you can go without your car for a week+, raxles would very likely rebuild an axle you sent to them.

For the record, the "transaxle" is the same as the "transmission." What is going out on your car is the "half shaft" or the "CV axle" or simply the "axle."

[KnightAB]

Thanks Schmidt90, erikv11 & jblackburn for the input.
Schmidt0 - I'll let you know if any questions, thanks!
jblackburn - I'm at 267k miles and I'd like to get to 300+, so I could easily have the car another 3 -5 years. It runs great!
erikv11 - thanks, I stand corrected - it's and axle, not transaxle.

I'll check our r-axles.

[KnightAB]

For anyone that's looking I just found a cheap new one on eBay. Should be good enough to last as long as I plan to keep the car:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0444058203