04 XC70 Axle recommendations

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 29 Jul 2014, 15:00

Can anyone recommend an alternative to OEM for front axles? Thanks!

Post by **chrism** » 30 Jul 2014, 21:42

On both my 03 V70 (RH side only), and my daughter's 01 Tiburon (both sides) I've installed used OEM units that were rebuilt by Axles Unlimited. About 30,000 miles on the the V70 and 15,000 on the Tiburon and so far, so good.

Post by **vtl** » 30 Jul 2014, 21:54

EMPI from fcpeuro: 20k on XC70 and 3k on V70. They look more fragile than OEM, especially boot rubber is way thin in my opinion. But $90-something for driver's side... Carriage bearing failed on V70's right side axle, turned out not too hard to replace yourself for a mere $15.

I still keep OEM axles, plan to send for rebuild some day.

benrk · Post by **benrk** » 31 Jul 2014, 23:24

I went with the left $60 new-from-China on rockauto when I was over-budget on other stuff, it does not have the vibration damper (that rubber suspended steel ring in the middle) that the oem has, under heavy acceleration there is a strong imbalance noticeable & sometimes @ highway speed I'm not sure if I feel related vibrations on our MB washboard roads. I'll have an eye on it & see if I come across a young used oem for cheap, but either way I'm likely replacing it before it fails, taking the wheel bearing & possibly tire along with it...

Greetz, Ben

Post by **chrism** » 01 Aug 2014, 07:28

Do you still have the old original one in your possession?

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 02 Aug 2014, 04:39

I bought the Empires from FCP and when I took them out of the box, already had play in the CV joints. I returned them.

Also, I suspect the original Volvo axles weren't much good either since they had been replaced before 80k miles were on the car (when I got it).

Post by **chrism** » 02 Aug 2014, 11:33

Given what people are saying about the quality of the aftermarket axles, I'd be tempted to go the wrecking yard, get a real Volvo axle, then send it out for rebuild. A bit of a hassle, I know. Or just ask a rebuilder if they will supply you one for the added core charge.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 03 Aug 2014, 06:00

I went Napa yesterday to get a rebuilt axle and they had the same problem. I checked the two on the shelf. I am beginning to think they are supposed to have play in them.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 06 Sep 2014, 11:49

Just wanted to follow up on this thread. I finally got tired of the vibration upon acceleration and went to a different Napa and got both rebuilt axles. Neither of these axles had any play in them out of the box. The install was easy and had both done in about two hours. These axles have 36 month warranties so if they play out too soon I'll just bring them back for warranty.

I guess the moral of the story is check them before you leave the store.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 09 Sep 2014, 13:37

So did the axles with no play solve your vibration issue?