My mechanic told me that my drive shaft center support bushing (bearing carrier) needs replacement. He would charge $466. I confirmed his diagnosis by easily moving the drive shaft in the bushing side-to-side 1/2". I was also noticing a thudding noise on steep hills and can see the bushing has touched the body above it, although minor. My wagon has the type 03 drive shaft.

I need help with these questions:

1) Is there some way to find out if other parts inside the bushing like the bearing also need replacement without taking the drive shaft apart? Does the failure of the bushing usually indicate that the bearing and associated parts have also failed? I am trying to avoid taking the drive shaft out, finding I need more parts, and then having my car non-operational while I order and wait for them.

2) The Volvo factory bushing costs $170 but FcpEuro sells an aftermarket one for $15. Is it important to buy the factory bushing for this application -- like it is for suspension bushings?

3) If the bearing is bad does the job get considerably more difficult? Should it always be replaced anyway when the carrier is replaced? My bearing has 240K miles.

4) Is there anything else on the drive shaft that should be checked either before or during the bushing replacement?

Thanks.

 

$466 is way too much. It only takes one hour to do the job. I got that done not too long ago and the total including the parts and labor was around $150 to $175 dollars and if I am not mistaken the parts were OEM. For that price it was not worth the effort to do it myself without a lift.

 

I'd replace the bearing, also check the transmission output shaft seal and replace-if-needed. its a good time to check and replace the transmission mount and motor mounts, if needed, too.

 

The Volvo factory bushing costs $170 but FCP-Euro sells an aftermarket one for $15. Is it important to buy the factory bushing for this application -- like it is for suspension bushings?

 

just make sure you get the right size one for your driveshaft, you pretty much have to measure the shaft OD to be sure. I'd think aftermarket is probably OK for the bushing/bracket piece, but I'd probably go genuine volvo for the bearing as I don't trust lowest-bidder chinese bearings. I believe there are both type II and III driveshafts on these cars, one is 44.5mm and the other 50.8mm, or something like that.

 

The $15 one is too cheap and most likely of low quality. Try Tasca Parts they tend to have the best prices on genuine Volvo parts.

 

Tasca charges $159 for the bushing (P/N 1340501) and the bearing is $33 (P/N 183265), so I am wondering how you got yours done for $150-$175 if OEM parts were used.

 

Let me try to see if I can find the invoice and I will get back with you.

 

It was higher than what I remembered. The parts (original Volvo) were $200 and the labor was $70.

 

Thanks, Brickrunner. That explains it. You still got a good deal on labor in my view.