850 Drivetrain Replacement

Post by **kaireland** » 13 Oct 2014, 13:36

The CV joint on my right axle grenaded the other day. I am not sure what all is damaged as I had fluids other than grease on the ground. Since I have to take the front end apart anyway I was thinking about replacing a few things while I am at it.

In looking for control arms I wanted to know what people's opinion is about the FCP control arms that they are selling as an upgrade, but they are listed at $130 less than Volvo OEM. I don't see how they can have an upgraded version that is almost $25 cheaper than the Meyle version.

http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-c ... v70-271901

I also figure that if I want to make the best out of having to do this I want to also replace the wheel hubs. Does anyone have any experience using a hub other than OEM or FAG? Cost wise I was looking at the hubs below.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinf ... cc=1433986

Thanks for any help. My son would really like to get his car back running.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Oct 2014, 17:51

I go to FCP's site fairly often and I have yet to see any of the products marketed as being "Junk, but at least its cheap". I would actually have more respect for them if they did. I sense that your gut tells you it is probably junk - my gut instinct is that you are right.

Assuming that they actually fit on the car, control arms are one of those things that you don't know if they were junk for 10,000 miles or so. Good control arms should last for around 100,000 miles, the junk ones are really lucky to make 20% of that.

I have no familiarity with the Pro brand hubs from Rock Auto.

...Lee

Post by **mecheng** » 14 Oct 2014, 09:41

Because FCP eliminates the middle man, they can afford to offer it cheaper. I have no experience with either but the write up for the control arms sounds convincing: like they did their research.

The OEM arms are not that durable so I wouldn't hesitate to try something else. I've heard mixed reviews with the Meyele product.

The OEM FAG wheel hub is pretty durable. It all depends on your tolerance for having to do the job twice if your gamble doesn't pay off.

Post by **cn90** » 14 Oct 2014, 09:46

Stick to Lemforder: Amazon sells this for $105/each.

Some people report good experience with MOOG brand.

Post by **erikv11** » 14 Oct 2014, 09:53

I agree, Lemforder is the OEM arm, that is a good way to go.

Twice I have put on OEM control arms, due to the factory ones failing in the 90k - 110k range. One replacement set is now at 40k miles, the other is at 70k. No issues so far.

@mecheng: Why do you say they are "not that durable?"

Also I wouldn't touch a wheel bearing that wasn't complaining. I've never had a failed bearing on my Volvos (knock on wood).

Post by **mecheng** » 14 Oct 2014, 11:32

erikv11 wrote:I agree, Lemforder is the OEM arm, that is a good way to go.

Twice I have put on OEM control arms, due to the factory ones failing in the 90k - 110k range. One replacement set is now at 40k miles, the other is at 70k. No issues so far.

@mecheng: Why do you say they are "not that durable?"

Also I wouldn't touch a wheel bearing that wasn't complaining. I've never had a failed bearing on my Volvos (knock on wood).

Coming from Hondas, the ball joints/control arm bushings would last 160K miles minimum. The PO replaced on of the control arms at 100k. To me, that is not that durable, but for a European car it might be.

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Oct 2014, 07:37

mecheng wrote:
erikv11 wrote:I agree, Lemforder is the OEM arm, that is a good way to go.

Twice I have put on OEM control arms, due to the factory ones failing in the 90k - 110k range. One replacement set is now at 40k miles, the other is at 70k. No issues so far.

@mecheng: Why do you say they are "not that durable?"

Also I wouldn't touch a wheel bearing that wasn't complaining. I've never had a failed bearing on my Volvos (knock on wood).
Coming from Hondas, the ball joints/control arm bushings would last 160K miles minimum. The PO replaced on of the control arms at 100k. To me, that is not that durable, but for a European car it might be.

Hondas have a great front suspension setup (the double wishbone spreads out the stress over both front control arms).

It's fairly typical to get 70-100K from front end components on a MacPherson strut front suspension with only a lower control arm.

Post by **mecheng** » 15 Oct 2014, 10:46

jblackburn wrote:
mecheng wrote:
erikv11 wrote:I agree, Lemforder is the OEM arm, that is a good way to go.

Twice I have put on OEM control arms, due to the factory ones failing in the 90k - 110k range. One replacement set is now at 40k miles, the other is at 70k. No issues so far.

@mecheng: Why do you say they are "not that durable?"

Also I wouldn't touch a wheel bearing that wasn't complaining. I've never had a failed bearing on my Volvos (knock on wood).
Coming from Hondas, the ball joints/control arm bushings would last 160K miles minimum. The PO replaced on of the control arms at 100k. To me, that is not that durable, but for a European car it might be.
Hondas have a great front suspension setup (the double wishbone spreads out the stress over both front control arms).

It's fairly typical to get 70-100K from front end components on a MacPherson strut front suspension with only a lower control arm.

Good point