Get your OEM parts from Darrel Waltrip Volvo (800) 689-0021
Ask for Jamie or Don

They are in Tennessee and are VERY reasonable

Let them know you are from the Brickboard. Volvospeed contributers get 10% off.
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Common sense trumps a PhD

I'd say you're doing alright at 188K. At 185K both of mine have been replaced but for split rubber boots, not for making noise.

They are not interchangable left to right. I purposefully skirted the issue of how to determine which side is worn because i don't know how to tell...

The right one is longer, having an intermediate shaft with a bearing. I've bought them from FCP Groton, Napa, and Advance Auto. All were "Made in China". It was clear to me that none of the three were quite the quality of the OEM part. The FCP one was obviously low quality and failed me a week after install. The Napa one looked the best but was more expensive at something like $130. The Advance Auto part cost all of $70 and looked just fine. My biggest issue with it was the nut on the wheel end was a different size, requiring that I go out and buy another socket. I don't think I'll ever have to redeem the "lifetime warranty" on either of them.

-Will
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854 - 244 - Mini