Just replace the axles. Of course, checck the hubs and make sure the bearings are not loose. If you have original struts, hmmmm.

Klaus
--
Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...

Replace them for sure. Don't know how much they are where you are but new axles are cheap here. But I wouldn't do it until you absolutely have to. When the CV joints make a little noise then it's time to do it. Depending on how much you drive it could be a long time from when your boots give out and when the joint starts to go. Unless of course ya just like getting under there and getting filthy. Which is perfectly understandable!

My advice would be replace them. I bought cheap ones via FCP Groton, and they worked fine. Some people try replacing the boots, but you don't know what has gotten in there, and the axles aren't all that expensive. The previous owner tried replacing one boot, and it didn't work.

The hubs are a separate item, usually replaced when they start making noise. One of mine went at 178K. You may want to preventatively replace them, since you'll have the axles out.

Some people say replace the transmission seal when you do the axle. I left both mine in, and I know others don't replace them (my indy Volvo mechanic, for example).

Do you know how old your sway bar links are? Check them for looseness. They are cheap and the OEM fail fairly quickly.

Cheers, Don