'96 Volvo 850 CV boots - HELP!

Hi,

I've been told I need new outer CV boots and the cost for parts & labor
(no tax) is $550 (dealership). In calling around, I've gotten prices
as low as $150 to $180. I'm not calling general shops, only
Volvo-specific mechanics.

The dealership says it's IMPOSSIBLE that someone could charge that
little, and the Volvo shops say that $550 is outrageously high. Can
someone help me? Thanks so much!

 

I have not looked at my 850's boots, but $550 seems INSANE!! Unless there
is something 'special' here, or if the factory parts are unreasonably
expensive!

http://www2.swedishpartswholesale.c...t=C.V.+Boot+Kit&appTransmissionType=Automatic

$65 bucks parts, times 2 for dealer mark up is 130, 2 hours to do the job,
and an hour for coffee and discussion and analysis of tech's current
relationship with parts guy and service advisor@85/hr=255+130=385 tops tops
tops where the other almost $200 comes from I do not know!

 

Hi!

I'm in the same situation on my 93 850. I've been told by more than one
reputable service facility that it's far better to replace the whole
axle than take a chance on just changing the boot, as all you'll wind up
doing with a boot change is delaying the replacement of the axle by six
months or so. The reason is because water and dirt quickly penetrates
the crack in the boot and contaminates the bearings, leading to
development of a knocking bearing in fairly short order.

I was quoted roughly $200 per side to replace the axles with warranteed
rebuilt axles, including labor. However, I found rebuilt axles for $75
each, and new ones for $90 wholesale, so bought one of each and will do
the job myself. Total cost to do the job shouldn't total more than
$200, including the cost of a Haynes manual to ensure I do it right.

Keith Monteith