Driver side cv axel replacement

wool · Post by **wool** » 28 Jul 2021, 16:53

This regards my 2004 XC70 with 140k miles. I've replaced the driver-side cv axel three times over the last two months. Each time after installing a new axle it begins to make the same clicking sound familiar to a bad cv joint. The noise comes after several hundred miles. I thought it was because of poor aftermarket parts. Today I replaced the axel for the third time. I upgraded to more expensive axel but the clicking began as soon as I backed out of my driveway and began to get worse within a few miles. I replaced the steering rack last year. Within the last several months I replaced the tie rods (with alignment) and lower control arms and ball joints. There were no issues with the alignment. The car runs nicely but the suspension is driving me nuts with new creaks and bangs when I come to a hard stop. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 28 Jul 2021, 18:19

What brand CV axle are you using? I tried aftermarket axles and two sets later, I went to the bone yard and got some OEM GKN Loebro used ones and they work perfect. These cars do not like Chinese axles!!!! My problem was vibration, new Chinese axles and the car was undriveable with the vibration. I put less than 100Kms on the 2 sets of new axles before pulling them....lesson learned!
Why did you replace the axle? What was the original problem?

Post by **Blacklab467** » 28 Jul 2021, 18:40

I just read your post again, I wonder what parts you used for the other components? Last summer I replaced my entire front end with Chinese aftermarket parts from RockAuto. 6 months later, It was totally worn out and driving me nuts with similar symptoms you describe. I bit the bullet and replaced everything again with Volvo branded parts, inner and outer tie rod ends, control arms, ball joints, subframe bushings, engine mounts, spring seats, struts, stab link kits, etc. It wasn't cheap and I don't know how much you enjoy the car or what you're budget is, but I will say that the car is amazing now and such a pleasure to drive! For some reason you just can't cut corners with these cars and take a chance on cheap parts.
Do it once........do it right. Just my thoughts.

wool · Post by **wool** » 28 Jul 2021, 18:43

Thanks for the reply
I bought a GKN axel from FCP Euro. I started replacing the axels after the OEM boot separated.
I'm thinking that it's not the axel but rather something else that is causing the axel to bind,

Post by **chrism** » 29 Jul 2021, 04:12

Are you sure you’re getting the inboard end of the axle fully inserted into the differential? Could there be an obstruction, like the old locking ring, hindering insertion?

Post by **DonnVa** » 29 Jul 2021, 06:21

Geez, if it were me, I would take every precaution known to man and put the front up on jack stands, put it in gear, get out watch and listen. Let it tell you what’s going on. You’ve got a head scratcher there.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 29 Jul 2021, 07:11

Are you sure you’re getting the inboard end of the axle fully inserted into the differential? Could there be an obstruction, like the old locking ring, hindering insertion?

Good point, this might be your problem. Just as you need to "pop" the old axle out, you also need to give the axle a little slam to get the new one in to the proper depth that the circlip gets seated. The more I think about it, this would definitely cause the noise you're describing.
It would be real easy to check if that axle is in properly, just crawl underneath and check with a small prybar or screwdriver if that axle is seated or loose in the transmission.

wool · Post by **wool** » 29 Jul 2021, 09:15

BUT it might be something else. I read about steering stops or lack of. When I make a sharp turn when parking the steering will pull to a full lock position and won't return on its own. This 04 xc70 does not have a stop on the lower control arm or on the knuckle. I replaced the steering rack last year. Is there supposed to be a limiter/stop on the rack? Do new racks come with it or is that another part that needs to be added to the rack. I'm fairly certain this full lock is binding the CV. I'll also start a new post about this.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 29 Jul 2021, 15:25

Is it possible the rack is the wrong one for your car? In my car (2003) there were 2 different racks specified, each using different tie rod ends. ZF and SMI were the two options. Perhaps you have the right rack but wrong TRE's? I believe the PS hose orientation was also very different between the two.

Post by **jonesg** » 30 Jul 2021, 02:42

wool wrote: ↑29 Jul 2021, 09:15 BUT it might be something else. I read about steering stops or lack of. When I make a sharp turn when parking the steering will pull to a full lock position and won't return on its own. This 04 xc70 does not have a stop on the lower control arm or on the knuckle. I replaced the steering rack last year. Is there supposed to be a limiter/stop on the rack? Do new racks come with it or is that another part that needs to be added to the rack. I'm fairly certain this full lock is binding the CV. I'll also start a new post about this.

2004 xc70,
it should have a steering stop.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... N4QAvD_BwE