Thanks to Goatman, indeed!

When one only has a Haynes manual, even teh final 1997 imprint, it's wrong on the front wheel bearing service ...

If I may, we do have an excellent recent entry on the Volvo 240 rear hub assembly service with focus on rear wheel bearing treatment by our brickboard member 83GLT.

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/index.htm?id=1614647&show_all=1

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1615172/220/240/260/280/brakesuspensionsteeringwheel_bearing_job_victory_sort.html

Consider this a cautionary tale when we do not treat the rear wheel bearings. If we repacked the grease like every 50-100k, you may not need to replace the bearing assembly (two seats, bearing assembly, and two seals). Made by both Timken and SKF. Dunno who makes the seals. They are a weird blue color.

When you withdraw the rear axle shaft from the tube, you must support the weight of it at the end and slightly lift up. You do this as you do not want the axle weight on the seals, should you be able to reuse the bearing as they only need a new grease pack (check for grease compatibility! An NLGI-2, yet dunno lithium or aluminum soap complex, or something else, Volvo used at the factory, or cleanse for the new grease you use). Both the inner and outer rear wheel bearing seals are metal reinforced, and can bend, ruining them. So, support the rear axle as you withdraw it.

So, what about them U-joints on the steering shaft? Can't get them OEM anymore. Critical.

Hope that helps.

cheers,

dud.