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Verifying need for front axles replacement?

posted by  someone claiming to be s40-wobbler on  Thu Sep 15 17:07 CST 2011 [RELATED]


On a recent check-up the mechanic (first try, new mechanic) diagnosed that a wobble or judder I am experiencing under certain load/power conditions is probably related to my front axles going bad.

It's an expensive couple of items to replace, so I'd like to know if there is any way to verify this need myself. Is there something I can do by jacking up the car and feeling for loose play or something?

If I do end up needing these replaced, is it something I might be able to do myself, with a moderate level of mechanical know-how? What's involved?

Thanks!







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    Verifying need for front axles replacement? S40-V40

    posted by  KlausC on  Thu Sep 15 18:47 CST 2011
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    Just check the axle boots for leaks or very large cracks. If they are not leaking, they are probably good.

    You mean a steering wheel wobble? That could be a bad tire or control arms.

    Sounds like you need to go to several shops until you find one that knows how to work on Volvos.

    Klaus
    --
    Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?








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      Verifying need for front axles replacement? S40-V40

      posted by  someone claiming to be s40-wobbler on  Thu Sep 15 18:58 CST 2011 [RELATED]


      It happens particularly when pushing on the gas pedal and accelerating at certain speeds, even slowly from a stop if a press too hard. It calms down or dissapeers when I let off he gas and "coast" if you can call it that with an automatic.

      It doesn't feel like the steering wheel is receiving the shaking either... it feels more related to the front suspension or wheels. I do have a front strut problem though on one of the towers, so perhaps when I get that fixed in a couple of days, that could clear it up?







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        Verifying need for front axles replacement? S40-V40

        posted by  KlausC on  Thu Sep 15 19:10 CST 2011
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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        If one strut has a problem, that will do it. We don't know the age of the car nor the mileage, and struts are typically due at 120-140K miles.

        It is also possible that you have a broken engine mount.

        Klaus
        --
        Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?








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          Verifying need for front axles replacement? S40-V40

          posted by  someone claiming to be s40-wobbler on  Thu Sep 15 21:15 CST 2011 [RELATED]


          It's a 2000... about 150K miles. One strut definitely has a problem due to improper installation by some home mechanic. it's causing a significant pull to the left on the alignment. I'm scheduled to replace that with a proper new one, so I'm hoping that will fix the juddering feel. If that doesn't do it, perhaps I'll look into motor mounts or axles.

          Do you know if replacing front axles is difficult? Do you need special tools?

          Oh.. and are there any effective ways to check condition of motor mounts as the potential problem...?







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            Verifying need for front axles replacement? S40-V40

            posted by  KlausC on  Thu Sep 15 21:54 CST 2011
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            last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
            [RELATED]

            The hardest part is getting the center nut off.

            Motor mounts can be visually checked. Raise the hood, have someone rev the engine and see if it moves because of the torque. The mount on top is easy to watch, the mount on the bottom left side is a bit more difficult.

            Klaus
            --
            Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?







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