I need to replace the left front shaft in my S70 because the CV joint boot ripped and now that I've noticed it, it looks like it's been like that for a while. The joint is not dry and not making any sound yet, but I think it's more prudent to replace the whole shaft at this point. My question is whether or not aftermarket parts are okay for this. The prices vary greatly from $300 for Genuine Volvo from Tasca to $120 for Empire from FCP to $160 for both left and right shaft from 1aauto.com as a kit containing axle nuts. I would go with Volvo, but $300 is a steep price for me right now. I would like to know if anyone has experience with FCP axles or the 1aauto or others out there. I am open to suggestions.

Aslo, any tips on doing this job would be greatly appreciated. I have never done it before. My car has manual gearbox, so I will probably need some gear oil to replace what leaks out when I pull the shaft? If so, what oil and how do I get it in the gearbox?

Thanks in advance!

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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers

ditto to avoid the CCC. I have used http://www.raxles.com/ with good results to date.

I lost a little fluid when I pulled the axle out, but I had it on a lift. If you are jacking the left side up you probably won't loose any. The fill plug is the big hex nut you see on the transmission case with the wheel off. Use only the special oil from the dealer in this.

The left axle is held in the housing with a spring clip. I used a large screwdriver behind the axle to gently pry it out. Note how close the shaft is to the transmission before you start so you get it back to the same depth -- if you don't get it back in enough to engage the spring clip, you could have it pop out while driving.

1998 V70 5-speed 351k

I am very pleased with the Raxle CV joints on my wife's '97 850 wagon. Impressive to look at; the boots are silicon rubber, so no rotting. I talked to the owner at length- he definitely comes across as having high integrity. A little more expensive than others, but well worth it.
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'97 188K+miles 850 grey wagon, '91 340K+ dark grey 740 wagon

Thanks for the great tips. This is a bit intimidating, but I think I can do this job.

One more question. Should I go ahead and replace my rotors and pads? I am still on factory front rotors and only second set of pads that are not that worn yet, but the disk has a bit of a lip on the outer edge. Tasca price for two front rotors and a set of pads is about $180 (+/-). Last time I ordered Volvo rotors from Tasca it was for wife's '93 940 (rear) and they were made in China and were pretty cheap ($30 or so). I hope this is not the case with FWD rotors ($55/each at Tasca today).

As I said, I ordered the axle from a place in NC. Sounded good on the phone. They use Volvo axles and press on new CV joints as part of rebuild. Said the CV joints are better than stock. $150+S/H = fair price. I also ordered a shaft seal as I am thinking I may damage the original while disassembling. Seal was $20 for genuine Volvo.
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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers

I've heard mixed reviews on the Chinese produced aftermarket axles. I'm convinced there's no way they measure up to the Volvo (GKN) units. On two different cars, one Volvo and one Hyundai, I've had good results with rebuilt factory axles from Axles Unlimited. I replaced one side only on the Volvo and it probably has about 20,000-25,000 miles on the replaced axle. Both axles on the Hyundai about 10,000 mile ago. To date, no problems with any of them.

Just another option to consider. Oh yeah, I think they ran about $110-120 ea plus shipping.

Thank you, Chris. I just talked to these guys and ordered an axle for $150+shipping and core, which is $75 and will be refunded to me when they receive it. This about half of the price of new from Tasca and not much more than Empire axle from FCP. I have not idea what Empire is, but I am willing to bet it's cheap Chinese crap (CCC) which I am working hard to avoid.
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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers