I have a 2001 S40 with 95000 miles on it - have a thunping noise that sounds like a tire problem but it goes away when I let off the gas. Got up under the car and the left front axle looks like the oil has leaked out - there's alot of gunk there. There wasn't much slop in the axle when I turned the wheel though.

Is that axle difficult to replace?

 

Its not all that bad. Yes it sounds like the axle is bad.

 

Oh goodie! Another weekend project! Provided it doesn't go catastrophic on me between now and then.

Thanks.