Next best axle boots when best not available?

Post by **JimBee** » 21 Nov 2020, 11:18

I just noticed an axle boot on my 93 850 is split. Volvo still sells them for $65.00, which I'd rather not spend. Volvo parts guy couldn't tell me who makes theirs either; some German company he thought.

As I recall, the GKN is best aftermarket quality but that doesn't seem to be available for my manual trans. I'm finding Rein and Empi, not sure which way to go. Suggestions?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 21 Nov 2020, 11:30

Rein Automotive is the OEM supplier. Same boots as Genuine Volvo. The only difference is the packaging.
Both come off the same production line.

Rein part numbers for 1993 850:
CV Joint Boot Kit - Front: w/Auto.... Trans., Full Kit, 2 Per Car.............. BKN0082R
CV Joint Boot Kit - Front: w/Auto.... Trans., Short Kit, 2 Per Car............ BKS0082R
CV Joint Boot Kit - Front: w/Man.... Trans., 2 Per Car......................... BKN0081R

Rein is a subdivision of CRP. The company that produces Continental ContiTech timing belts.

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 21 Nov 2020, 13:48

Did an Empi once and it split/ripped shortly after. No more. Not worth sending back to FCP but let them know.

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 21 Nov 2020, 14:20

GKN is a perfectly acceptable replacement and comes with the correct weight of grease. They are available for manuals, I changed my outer boot just yesterday. GKN is, after all, the largest driveline supplier globally.

Rein is unavailable in the UK and I was under the impression that GKN was the supplier for both boots and axles in the EU.

Post by **JimBee** » 21 Nov 2020, 21:06

Okay, so Rein it is. Thanks for the info!

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Nov 2020, 21:19

Eek. Rein is a bad idea for axle boots. Many, many MVS users have reported that they don't last long. No one has reported problems with GKN boots.

You can likely get GKN boots to fit your axle, and they would be much better quality than Rein. Can you measure the diameters and post them up here?

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Nov 2020, 21:47

According to the GKN online catalog, the outer boot for a 1994 850 with manual transmission is GKN 300427. Same boot as the auto. That boot is available from several US suppliers, probably FCP and/or AutoHausAZ have it or can get it.

Not sure the link will work for you but here's where I looked it up:
https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/part ... 852;page:0

At the least measure the boot on your axle and compare it with the specs there for 300427.

GKN supplied the factory axle, I doubt it came with Rein boots. Get GKN and save yourself some repair hours.

Post by **JimBee** » 23 Nov 2020, 21:14

I was kind of surprised to find the boot I replaced on my 93 850 MT maybe 10 years ago had split. I don't put many miles on that car so I expected longer life. I vaguely recall the discussion and tutorial by cn90 at the time, so I'm guessing I went with the GKN Lobro. Interestingly, I just discovered that I have a new 300427 (and also a 300428 which is actually marked for Ford). There's no listing for the 300428 online now. I think when I bought it I was looking at replacing a boot on my 96 850 AT. Comparing the 427 to the 428, the axle opening (small end) is smaller on the 427 and the 428 is a bit longer through the center.

Surfing around I came across cn90's 2011 cv boot replacement tutorial (which is probably cross-posted to MVS:
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/14 ... b=comments

GKN was considered the best boot option, though not everybody who posted in that thread was happy with their longevity.

I went to the (Rowland) GKN site looking for indications of OEM authenticity. A couple of interesting pages came up:
GKN is a multi-industry leader, going back to the 1930's and a leader in development of cv joint drive components.
See: https://www.gknautomotive.com/en/company/our-heritage/

A major part of GKN's legacy is as supplier to car makers, in particular driveline components. From their site,
"GKN Automotive is the industry’s full systems integration partner, supplying more than 90% of global vehicle manufacturers. More than 50% of the 80 million new cars sold every year run on GKN Automotive products."

The GKN page on boots implies but doesn't explicitly state that they are the OEM manufacturer of boots: "In addition to the exact fit, the right material is crucial: modern drives transmit high torques that leads to increased heat development in the joints. OE manufactures therefore install boots made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) as they can withstand high service temperatures of up to 140°C, as well as having increased impact
resistance and rotational stability."
https://www.gknautomotive.com/en/Afterm ... cts/boots/

The Universal Boots tab on that page states that if the spec'd boot for your vehicle is no longer available, they can provide one that will work.

So it looks like the best bet is still going to be GKN.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Nov 2020, 08:15

Yes 10 years is pretty good for a CV boot, even GKN. Rein will be shorter lifespan.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 24 Nov 2020, 12:04

If you do not have GKN axles, GKN boots may not fit. Aftermarket axles can have different shape and size boots.
volvolugnut