Womala Bellows Kit OE 31256225 Inner Half-Shaft Ball Joint Dust Cover for Volvo S40 V50

Core Functions

• Protect the Inner Ball Joint: The primary role of the bellows is to shield the inner half-shaft ball joint from debris (dirt, gravel) and moisture (rain, road salt). Without this protection, debris would grind against the ball joint’s metal surfaces, and moisture would cause rust—both leading to premature wear, squeaking, or complete failure.
• Retain Lubrication: The sealed bellows traps grease inside the ball joint, ensuring consistent lubrication between the ball and socket. This reduces friction, minimizes heat buildup, and extends the ball joint’s service life (typically 80,000–100,000 miles with proper protection).
• Prevent Drivetrain Damage: A failed bellows can lead to ball joint wear, which causes loose half-shaft movement. This looseness may damage the transmission seal, CV joint, or wheel bearings—resulting in costly repairs far beyond the cost of replacing the bellows.
• Maintain Driving Comfort: By protecting the ball joint from wear, the bellows prevents squeaking, clunking, or vibration during turns or acceleration—preserving the S40/V50’s smooth driving experience.

1. Confirm the bellows is for the inner (not outer) half-shaft ball joint—inner and outer bellows have different dimensions, and interchanging them will result in poor sealing. The OE number 31256225 is explicitly for the inner joint of S40/V50 models.
2. Reference the S40/V50’s official service manual for installation steps: Replacing the bellows requires safely lifting the vehicle, removing the wheel, and accessing the half-shaft. Avoid forcing the half-shaft or ball joint—use proper tools (e.g., a ball joint separator) to prevent damage.
3. During installation:
   • Clean the ball joint thoroughly to remove old grease and debris before applying new lubricant (from the kit).
   • Ensure the bellows is aligned straight on the half-shaft—twisting it will cause tearing during use.
   • Tighten the mounting clamps to OE-specified torque (typically 8–12 N·m) — over-tightening will damage the bellows, while under-tightening will cause leaks.
4. Inspect the bellows annually (during oil changes or tire rotations): Look for cracks, tears, or loose clamps—addressing issues early prevents ball joint damage.
5. Note: This kit is sold as a single unit (for one inner ball joint). For full drivetrain protection, replace the bellows on both left and right inner half-shafts (order two kits if both are worn).*

A: Signs of a failing bumper bracket include visible damage or deformation, misaligned bumper panels, unusual noises from the front end, or if the bumper appears loose or sagging on one side.

A: For optimal results, we recommend professional installation. Key considerations include ensuring proper alignment of all mounting points, checking for additional damaged components, and verifying all fasteners are properly torqued to specification.