QuestionThanks for your help last time. I ended up bringing this issue to the shop because I could not get the proper leverage to pull the Axle.
OK, so my 99 V70 always seemed to pull a little to the right, even after changing the tires and having an alignment. I just had another alignment after replacing the suspension and it still drifts to the right. It does not matter whether I apply the gas or not. I had the alignment done at Goodyear and they showed me all the adjustments made to bring the car into alignment. Is this one of those things that need to be done at the dealer, or is there some other underlying issue?
Thanks,
Mike
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Followup To
Question -
Hello, I am working on my 99 Volvo V70 and overhauling my suspension. I noticed my outer CV boot was split, so I thought I would try and replace the boot. I have a Haynes guide and the CV boot removal looked straight forward (pry the inner axle away from the transmission housing), but I am having an impossible time removing the axle from the transmission. Could you please tell me how you remove the axle. Thanks
Mike
Answer -
The right side axle is held in by the axle carrier bearing on the back of the block. It should come out easily. The left side is held in by a snap ring on the end of the axle. If prying on it doesn't coerce it loose you may have to use some kind of puller. It has to come out at some point but if the snapring is broken/collapsed it will not come out easily. This is unlikely but it could happen. You may have internal transmission damage if it has to come out like that. Most likely you aren't prying hardenough or in the right spot. It can be difficult to get a prybar in that area to push hard. We actually use a special prybar for just that application that has a long hande, right angle bend on the end, with a special shaped fork to get behind the axle. You may have to invest in a better tool for this job.
James
AnswerWell alignments are more of an art than a science. I don't know how many times I do an alignment and it still pulls to one side or the other. The things to look out for that can cause a pull:
1. Alignment is out - they obviously verified it in spec in front of you.
2. Tire pressure un even, it will pull towards the tire with the lowest pressure.
3. The tire tread surface has an unevenness to it that will cause a pull.
4. Road crown - most roads slope slightly to the right for water runnoff, so make sure it is absolutely flat.
Usually case number 3 happens with worn tires but I have seen it happen with new tires on a couple of occassions. Try rotating your tires from left to right and take it for a drive again. If the pull switches from the left to the right, then you know where your problem lies. Either problem number 2 or 3. If it turns out the new tires are causing your pull issue, they may warranty the tires at the distributor that installed them.
James
