How do you remove the rear drive shaft in a Volvo XC 90

ELKTRASKER

MEMBER
2004 VOLVO XC90
120,000 MILES

I have two boots that had tears on the rear drive shaft of my volvo xc90. Due to the torn boots I want to change out the CV joints. According to the parts houses you have to buy the whole rear axle. You just can't buy the CV joints. So how do you remove the axle from the rear transmission? I am used to that you pry from the axle to the housing of the transmission and usually a quick snap and it pops out. I am used to where most axles have a spring clip that just compresses and lets the axle come free. But I don't know if this is how volvo works. Thanks for any help you can give.

Also I have the wheel side free already.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,861 POSTS

Hello,

Yep the boots tearing is a common problem, you must jack the car up first here is a guide for that. Here are instructions in the diagrams below to show you how to replace the CV axles and drive shafts for your car below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

then you can take the axle out here is a guide for that check out the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

I have included some specific diagrams for you to reference when doing the job as well. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to make bigger)