1998 V70 XC IN NEED OF HELP!!

621 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by ViriiGuy, May 5, 2009

pcf817

Discussion Starter · May 3, 2009

My beloved V70 is on its last legs-- it was our Family car/my car in High School and needless to say, it got pretttttty beat up. we've since replaced it, (with a 2009 XC70! I rarely get the pleasure of driving it however.). When I say pretty beat up, I'm talking beat up like De La Hoya after a title fight. (Thankfully the exterior is in pristine condition)

My dad told me to write it off, however I am stubborn. I mean, this is the car I learned to drive in and flaunted in the school parking lot. ALOT of sentimental value. I want to use this as a learning tool, so I can take the next step in being a true Volvo enthusiast (and tell Don Beyer Volvo to shove it) by being able to do my own repairs.

I'm in college, I have no summer job, and awash in free time. Y por eso, I am making it my summer project to get this car up and (beyond!) running.

To get to that point, I need to tackle these tasks/Address these concerns (Please forgive me if I sound like a n00b, I'm just copying my dads notes from the dealer):

1) Replace Ignition Coils

2) AWD Seal and Transmission Differential are starting to go

3) Cowling drain holes--Clogged

4) Air Intake needs to be overhauled

5) Timing Belt replacement

6) 'Struts and/or Axle need work'--Alot of clanking sounds going over bumps, clicking sounds turning the steering wheel

7) New Brakes

8) New Hand Brake

I have always loved working on my car, sadly because of school/jobs/lack of resources, I have been unable to devote the amount of time needed to learn the fine art of Volvo maintenance. This car is going to be my learning car/project car--this is where you come in SwedeSpeed members! I would sincerely, utterly, ecstatically appreciate any and all hints, tips, recommendations, and help whatsoever. Also, Feel free to ask me questions!

First question: ....Where do I even start?! (Slash what am I looking at time/money/skill/effort/everything-wise). I need the insight of the learned and battle-tested.

PICS/VIDS COMING SOON.

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JRL

· #2 · May 3, 2009

Re: 1998 V70 XC IN NEED OF HELP!! (pcf817)

Quote, originally posted by pcf817 »

...ALOT of sentimental value....

If you're in college why is it you can't spell?
A LOT TWO WORDS

1) Replace Ignition Coils
1 COIL ON A 98, VERY EASY

2) AWD Seal and Transmission Differential are starting to go

WHAT IS A TRANSMISSION DIFFERNTIAL THE BEVEL GEAR?

3) Cowling drain holes--Clogged

10 MINUTES

4) Air Intake needs to be overhauled

HUH?

5) Timing Belt replacement

NOT THAT HARD TO DO, A COUPLE OF HOURS IF YOU HAVE TALENT

6) 'Struts and/or Axle need work'--Alot of clanking sounds going over bumps, clicking sounds turning the steering wheel

SWAY BAR LINKS TO START WITH, COULD BE SPRING SEATS, COMMON ISSUES

7) New Brakes

AEE ABOVE

8) New Hand Brake

PIA JOB TO DO A TOTAL REBUILD

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lookforjoe

· #3 · May 3, 2009

All standard repairs on any hi mileage XC

The AWD needs to be accurately diagnosed. There are a variety of potential problems. The first question would be, have you maintained the tires over the life of the car? letting the tires wear unevenly front to back, and to a lesser extent l/r will definitely damage AWD components.

Axles are easy to replace, along with the control arms that you probably need.

The next question is, what tools do you have at your disposal? Start with a Haynes or equivalent manual to get acquainted with the general mechanical layout BEFORE you take anything apart.

98 Xc's are great cars, learn to fix it!

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Wayne T5

· #4 · May 4, 2009

Re: 1998 V70 XC IN NEED OF HELP!! (pcf817)

That is quite a list but nothing out of the ordinary. Get yourself a repair manual and check out websites like matthewsvolvosite and volvospeed bay 13. Best to prioritize your list and start tackling the items.

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pcf817

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 4, 2009

Hah, I guess the thread's grammar auditor caught me, my apologies. Force of habit when typing. *A lot.

The feedback I've received so far has given me a little perspective. The set of fixes I gave you were copied from my dads notes he took @ the dealer--hard to decipher from his scribble. Some words may have been lost/butchered, ha.

The tires on the car now are fine, we replaced all 4 in December. However the previous sets were commonly 'pushed past their recom. mileage'.

It has been sitting in my driveway for about 2 months, since we bought the '09xc. I turn 98 on and let it idle for a bit a couple times a week, though the sounds and smells are not what they should be (to my dismay). We've taken it in to mechanics a fair amount for suspension issues, no real engine problems 'til now.

I going to do an exact inventory of what I have tool-wise when I get a game plan set up for tackling the car. This is a good starter list of tools i have:

-hand tools-- the basic hammer, screwdriver, wrenches, socket sets, powertools, lugwrench, et al.
-2 hydraulic jacks+stands
-oil pans, transmission flush, multitools, funnels, 360 ratchet
-no cool electronic diagnostic tools...yet!

Good call on the manuals and sites--Bay 13 I was looking at earlier today, alot of great info. I have a decent understanding of the mech. layout of the xc, need to reinforce.
Probably will strategize more tomorrow, again, need/appreciate greatly the input of the experienced!
Pics and video of start up coming soon!

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Big Will

· #6 · May 4, 2009

I suppose this doesn't have to be a priority depending on how badly you want/need the AWD right this moment, but I would start with a function test of the AWD system. A good Volvo tech should be able to complete this in 15 minutes and they might not even charge you just to diagnose the AWD woes.

If aside from the leaks the angle gear still function and the viscous coupling is functioning to spec and the prop shaft isn't making noise then that's a huge battle won.
If any of those parts are malfunctioning it may be worth either finding working used parts or temporarily pulling the prop shaft and using it as a FWD for a while until you can save up for the needed parts.

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pcf817

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 5, 2009

Re: (Big Will)

Haha, I live in the suburbs--the only time I really need AWD out here is when it snows and the overconfident SUV drivers come out to play/fishtail about. The AWD sounds like a pain and a half to repair, but I'm going to get under there soon so I take a look from the business side of the car, see what I may be up against.

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ViriiGuy

· #8 · May 5, 2009

You could (as I understand) just remove the rear drive shaft and make the car FWD. Most folks around here seem to do that.

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