2004 xc90 2.5t Axle rebuild options

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 12 Apr 2015, 08:51

So recently my xc90 started making a clicking sound when turning and my mechanic confirmed that the cv joint is starting to go. Brand new axles are too expensive, and I am unsure of the quality of the aftermarket ones.

I looked into getting them rebuilt from 3 shops in the Toronto, On Area and I got the following quotes:

Euro-drive : $105 per axle (will clean everything and inspect and replace whats broken and new boots.
a1cvtech : $125 per axle ( Im guessing same as above, but they produce their own driveshafts and build axles for high powered applications)
Canadian Auto Electric : $245 per axle ( will replace everything including bearings and joints etc to oem specs)

I am not sure which one is better as reviews are very few and I am not sure how sure how sensitive the xc90s are when it comes to axle. I rarely ever push the car. I believe the axles I have now are the original ones with 307,000 kms (190k miles) on them.

At this point the 3rd is double the price of the first 2. I am sort of leaning towards a1cvtech since they have good reviews from a lot of tuner guys and they do custom work and make their own axles, but still looking for your recommendations.

Last option is to pull the boot myself and regrease the joint in hopes that the clicking will go away since it is very faint and consistent.

Thanks

Post by **Vovo_merz** » 13 Apr 2015, 10:11

I would look into some used ones from a salvage yard with low miles, of course you can always get screwed by getting a bad part but most of the yards will warranty their parts, plus you are getting original part, I had some bad experience with rebuilding them as once you take it apart its not holding right afterwards

Post by **cn90** » 13 Apr 2015, 18:05

For 190K miles, it is not bad.
The CV Joints in any cars will last some 400K if the boot is never allowed to crack open, allowing dirt in.
I know a person with a VW Passat with 400K mile with original axle, because he simply removes the axle every 80K or so, and replaces the boot.

The boot is made by GKN-Lobro, and costs about $15-$20/each.

The aftermarket is a mix bag, so you are on your own.

I like the advice of using junkyard part (make sure it is OEM), then bring it home and put on new boots yourself.

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 14 Apr 2015, 07:10

the boot in mine is in perfect shape. However, the other day I kind of pushed the car off the line enough to make the tires chirp (which is tough on a xc90) and since then I started hearing a faint clicking sound only when turning.

Post by **pierremcalpine** » 15 Apr 2015, 15:03

I agree - go with junkyard originals. Just did that myself. The first set leaked from the boot edges so took me back. The second set worked like a charm. Total cost $110cad.

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 15 Apr 2015, 16:38

I think I will try to clean the joint and regrease it and see if things improve, otherwise I will grab one from the scrap yard.

Thanks!

Pierre, do you still have the v40? If so, there are a few sitting in the yard at Pic N Save in Hamilton in case you need parts. Prices there are cheap.

Post by **cn90** » 16 Apr 2015, 09:38

Just reboot it and move on.

An occasional clicking thing when pushing the car hard is nothing to worry about.
If 99% of the time, the axle is quiet, then leave it alone.
The clicking business can come from worn control arms, swaybar endlinks too!

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 16 Apr 2015, 20:17

I know the clicking is not from any other suspension component since its all been replaced recently.

The axle boot is not torn or leaking that I need to replace it. It is actually in good condition. I will just put some new grease in and see what happens. If it still clicks on turns, or gets worse, I will get a used one.