Hello-
My 850 is making a creaking/groaning/whathaveyou sound at low speeds when i turn the wheel. I'm aware that this is a problem having to do with the CV joints. Do I have to replace the entire axle shaft or can I just replace the boots for MUCH cheaper?

Thank you
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87 244, 235K (sold) and 87 245, 314K (RIP), 95 850 GLT 178K---Woodstock, CT

It sounds like the CV joint. I paid my indy to do the first shaft, as it had gotten pretty bad and I had no backup car. I watched him and it looked pretty easy. Of course he is a pro. When the boot on the other side split, I did the job myself with advice from folks here. Yes, the axle nut needs an impact wrench, and you have to smack the axle pretty hard to get it out. Loosen the axle nut and disconnect the sway bar link in the beginning while the car is on the ground. Remove the caliper and suspend it out of the way. Disconnect the ABS cable. I removed the two control arm bolts at the chassis. Another method is to remove the ball joint at the outer end of the control arm, but I couldn't budge it. My method worked fine for me. I believe Volvo puts a sealant on the splines of the axle, and this (or corrosion) makes it hard to smack the axle out of the hub. I used dad's method - arrange the axle nut so that it is flush with the end of the shaft, and use a BF hammer with a flush blow. As the axle gives way, keep loosening the nut a few turns and smack again (if necessary).

I am in agreement with Klaus. Just replace the whole thing. If it is clicking, some damage has already been done. I bought my car with a "replaced" boot. It didn't last but a few years.

If this is the passenger side, you remove the two bolts from the boss that supports the axle between the transfer case and the hub.

Be careful prying the axle free from the transfer case, as there is a seal in the transfer case that could be damaged.

Don '95 854T 183K

Replacement boots do not work very well, and the labor to remove the old boot, clean out the dirt, repack it with special grease, and put on a new cover, is just as expensive as installing a new axle.
Find yourself a good volvo indie and forgo the dealer expense. Oh, only use OEM axles, they seal better than look-a-likes.

Klaus
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Please answer your responses. We need to know if the advice is good or bad. The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)

Broke:

You can get an entire axle assembly from speedycarparts.com for 83.00 with new boots and everything. Could be your strut mount bushing or strut bearing plate is bent or broken too. You might have a bearing going bad too. Those are about 100.00. You should have the dealer or a reputable shop diagnose the problem so you know what is really going on. All jobs relating to bearings/axles are really greasy and messy and the bolts are a real pain as you can imagine.