[PM]

I'm looking for feedback on CV axles. Got a quote for raxles.com and I'm a little surprised by how much more they are compared to a new axle from A-1 Cardone (rockauto), or EMPI from IPD. From what I'm reading, there is no advantage to raxles over a new axle assembly from Cardone or a remanu from EMPI.

Anyone have experienced with any of theses?

Thanks.

-PM

 

[Big Will]

Everyone raves about raxles so I'm sure they're great quality rebuilds, but you can't beat EMPI for the price and quality combo.

 

[Burn-E]

What are the prices? I've heard that Raxles usually runs ~$150 + a core charge of $30 or so which gets refunded when you return it. IPD lists at ~$109 or 129 depending on which side of the car.

Plenty of people swear by Raxles but EMPI is supposedly high quality as well.

 

[PM]

Right Axle:

Dealer - New - $334.93 + 20 shipping, no core.
Raxles - Reman- $149.95 + 39.95 Shipping and no up front core.
IPd - EMPI - New - $129.95 + 19.37 shipping, no core
Rock auto - Cardone - New- $44.79 + 13.51 shipping, no core

Cost alone, rock auto is the pure winner. I have no idea on Cardone quality. Warranty is good, 3 years, 36K miles. Looks like a decent product, but I've never heard of them. I'm hoping I never have to replace one of these again. I still have the original axles at 245,000 miles.

Cost is my driving factor in this decision. The outer boot is ripped, but it seems cheaper to replace the whole axle than the boot. Boot is $61, axle is less. Go figure.

 

[Big Will]

You can get an EMPI boot kit for both inner and outer from FCP for about 25 dollars. That's the cheapest option if you want to rebuild. The EMPI boot kits are good quality. I used them on my manual Volvo axles.
IPD also sells them for about the same price and they use Rein's which are made in Germany - also good quality (they just don't stock them for manual turbo axles which is why I got the EMPI kit from FCP).

 

[1sciroccofahrer]

EMPI axles are new, NOT re-manufactured!

What makes you think that the EMPI axles are re-manufactured? If they were re-manufactured, you would have to send the core back in-or pay a core charge. If you don't believe me, ring IPD and inquire.

Have a most brilliant evening, one and all!

 

[PM]

Ok, point taken. EMPI are new. Back to experiences with these axles...

 

[Chilled Man]

Raxles
Is what i would use 98 and older if not that the ones from napa due to lifetime warrenty

 

[Abundant Meat]

Raxles have a lifetime warranty too. I installed new GSP advancedautoparts axles on my car and less than 2 months they are already warped. I took the plunge and bought raxles...I was charged $179.99 for my raxle + tax and shipping. I'll post up my experience with them.

 

[lookforjoe]

I've bought the 'cheapo' axles (A1-cardone, etc..) from the autoparts store a number of times. The problem typically is the quality of the boots - I have found that they can develop annoying pin holes & spray grease. This happened to me twice out of about 10 axles bought for various -'00 v70's I've worked on (including my own). For the price, you can't beat them, but there is the chance of the boot failing long before an OEM one would. If you go the 'cheap' route, make sure to switch over the retaining ring (on the left axle) IF the supplied one is NOT square sectioned.

I wouldn't buy boots unless you have manual axles, the correct replacements are hard to come by. Boot replacement is one of the messiest, obnoxious jobs ever.

 

[JRL]

My .02
For 30 odd dollars how can you expect a good axla (Rock Auto)?
R/A has some great prices and have bought many car parts (NON Volvo) from them, but I would not evn consider these

 

[1sciroccofahrer]

Boot replacement is one of the messiest, obnoxious jobs ever.

This is why I refuse to replace boots. Cars on which I work get new/rebuilt axles...I see no point in getting involved in the mess which is replacing boots.

Have an absolutely brilliant Tuesday, one and all!

 

[Big Will]

This is why I refuse to replace boots. Cars on which I work get new/rebuilt axles...I see no point in getting involved in the mess which is replacing boots.

Have an absolutely brilliant Tuesday, one and all!

Yea but as said above, if you have manual axles which really don't exist rebuilt here, it's worth rebuilding them. We used an Empi kit for both of mine which appeared to be of good quality though after 6500 miles, one of them got nicked by a rock or something and developed a small leak...I still think the Empi kits are good and at less than 30 dollars, sure beats the 80 plus that Volvo charges for its kit.