Adventures with a 15 y/o high-maintenance swedish wagon

31,836 Views | 243 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by Tim Weaver
Dill-Ag13
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9:40p, 2/13/21
AG
May 2020, left some milk sitting in the car for 3 days (didn't see it in the trunk from the grocery run). Thankfully the windows were down...



Had to strip out all the carpet...


My wife came out to scrub it with me, she's a keeper


Had to hit a junkyard and scavenge some new carpet...



Some 1ags approved felony forest and she's good to go now

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Dill-Ag13
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9:45p, 2/13/21
AG
June 2020, finally found a spare wheel to replace one I had a slight bend in


July 2020, discovered I was losing coolant, put some UV dye in the cooling system and found my reservoir was leaking. Fixed that.





Old one


Keep some coolant in a hidey spot if I ever need some



October 2020, new battery (in the trunk) with a helper

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Dill-Ag13
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9:52p, 2/13/21
AG
Summer 2020, this car struggles in the heat. Doesn't have the same power, the A/C struggles to keep up, and random errors pop up.

Having alarm system problems, the siren will kick on if the car is locked for 5+ hours. Turns out there's small battery in the module that leaks acid onto the circuit board after a few years...






Bought a dremel and a part-out module off someone and am still R&Ring it when I have time



August 2020: 'invested in some new wheels for my birthday. Combine that with some LED light pods to supplement the headlights on back roads and I absolutely love the look now.

Shipped the wheels and tires from a guy in Michigan using Blue Lane Freight (Fastenal), highly recommend












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Dill-Ag13
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9:54p, 2/13/21
AG
September 2020, new control arms and ball joints. Front suspension is now entirely new.





Unfortunately the job went sideways and the outer CV separated when I pulled it out of the hub. Had to call in backup and had the guy who installed my intercooler/radiator and other work come and bail me out


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Dill-Ag13
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9:59p, 2/13/21
AG
I picked an elite shop to do the alignment after the control arms...


Also, I go all out at Halloween and Christmas with lights on the roof, the kids love it

Halloween


Idea for next years Halloween:


Christmas



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Dill-Ag13
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10:01p, 2/13/21
AG
Installed a new carplay headunit for a Christmas present, love it





Out with the old, looked OEM but wasn't and was really tired/slow/buggy
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Dill-Ag13
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10:03p, 2/13/21
AG
December 2020. A fun story. I got tagged in a Facebook group at 2am that some guy had bought a V70R in San Diego and was headed back home to NC when he bent a wheel on a lovely Houston street. I reached out to him, gave him my address and he headed up. Thankfully I had a spare wheel with a very minor bend in it that I'd kept in the attic. I gave it to him with some Brotella. We swapped stories and he was on his way.



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Dill-Ag13
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10:11p, 2/13/21
AG
Pic / meme dump

A local guy in The Woodlands has a P80 V70R (P80 previous-gen to P2). My wife's been trained to snap pics of it when she sees it)


The shady af inspection shop I found that will pass my catless car


Had to buy my girls a barbie volvo so they can travel in style...




Still has a better turning radius than my volvo. It's absurd.


Car wash action shot




When COVID cancels all the triathlons but you need to flex the bike rack somehow




Only a couple weeks late on this one


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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 10:12p, 2/13/21
AG
Dill-Ag13 said:
Tim Weaver said:
Also you should definately keep that mechanic around! I'm knee-deep in a transmission swap on my XC90 V8. Had to pull the engine out to get to the angle gear and trans. I couldn't figure out how to remove the trans with the motor still in the car. They say it's possible, but I don't see how.

Besides by the time you get to the point of removing the transmission, you are only a few hoses away from removing the engine anyway. Fuel, heater core lines, and AC compressor were all it took to pull the motor/trans/AG as one piece.

I'll be resealing the timing cover of the V8 while it's out too, It's weeping. I have 96k miles on it now. After all this work it should be good for another 100k before anything major happens. Also going to put a new reg/rect in the alternator and maybe new bearings. The alternator is a bear to replace with the motor in place. Might as well do it now, even though it's working fine.
Yikes, that V8 is pretty rock solid from what I hear though. The only thing that scares me at this point is a clutch job, if the clutch starts slipping then all at once I'd want to:
  • pull the trans and reseal it
  • replace the clutch and maybe go single mass flywheel
  • reseal the angle gear
  • replace the collar sleeve
  • $$$$$$$$$$
And where I'm at today, the above has indeed happened. Just ticked over 175k and my clutch is slipping. Looking to be about a $2,000 job all in to do everything except re-seal the angle gear which I'll kick down the road for another day.
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SnowboardAg
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11:10p, 2/13/21
AG
There's an xc70 on woodlands online. Thought you might be all over that for your fleet.
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Jack Cheese
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11:39p, 2/13/21
AG
Best thread on texags.
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91AggieLawyer
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In reply to Tim Weaver • 12:19a, 2/14/21
AG
Tim Weaver said:
It's really not that bad. Lots of auto transmissions go out at 100k miles.

I don't remember exactly when but in the last year, year and a half I had a few hours to kill and charted the vehicles I knew about that my family (mom, dad, 2 sisters, me, wife) had since I've been born. Didn't include anyone else and sisters' cars were only when they lived at home or were in college. The overall number I'm recalling was something well into the 40s (don't remember if that was just my parents or everyone and I'm sure I missed some, so 40 something was for sure low) with all except one (one of mine) being an auto. Exactly ONE had an auto trans go out. My wife's Ford Taurus. Actually, I'm not totally sure it went out. It was replaced (begrudgingly) under recall.

I would say that roughly 85 or more percent of these cars we owned when they turned 100K as many (if not most) of them were bought used. So, no, "lots" of auto trans don't go out at 100K. If they did, almost no one would buy used cars. Honda had a batch of some linked to V6 motors that went out after 15 years and/or 300K miles if you want to count that.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to SnowboardAg • 6:24a, 2/14/21
AG
Man I want a backup so bad. I'd love to DIY the clutch. But I drive about 6,000 miles a year right now, hard to justify 2 cars for so little driving

Edit: man I wish you hadn't told me that. Great looking P3

https://bit.ly/3dfXdjs
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The Fife
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9:22a, 2/14/21
My dad has had bad luck with automatic transmissions, but he should've bought a 2500 Suburban given what he was towing. 100K miles on those was about par for the course on the '92, '94, and '04s he owned.
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Tim Weaver
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In reply to 91AggieLawyer • 3:33p, 2/14/21
91AggieLawyer said:
Tim Weaver said:
It's really not that bad. Lots of auto transmissions go out at 100k miles.

I don't remember exactly when but in the last year, year and a half I had a few hours to kill and charted the vehicles I knew about that my family (mom, dad, 2 sisters, me, wife) had since I've been born. Didn't include anyone else and sisters' cars were only when they lived at home or were in college. The overall number I'm recalling was something well into the 40s (don't remember if that was just my parents or everyone and I'm sure I missed some, so 40 something was for sure low) with all except one (one of mine) being an auto. Exactly ONE had an auto trans go out. My wife's Ford Taurus. Actually, I'm not totally sure it went out. It was replaced (begrudgingly) under recall.

I would say that roughly 85 or more percent of these cars we owned when they turned 100K as many (if not most) of them were bought used. So, no, "lots" of auto trans don't go out at 100K. If they did, almost no one would buy used cars. Honda had a batch of some linked to V6 motors that went out after 15 years and/or 300K miles if you want to count that.
That probably points more to maintenance habits and/or car choices more than anything. 4l60e's have a bad rep. 4l80e's don't. Things like weight of the car vs how much torque the motor makes can make a big difference in the life of a trans.

Fact is, Volvo uses the same Aisin-Warner transmissions that GM and several Japanese company's use. However, Volvo's tend to be a little heavier, and the 5 cylinder's make more torque than most of the 4 bangers these transmissions are designed for. So, yeah on a camry it's fine. But on a 4000 pound wagon with a turbo 5 and AWD it's under a lot more stress.

Good maintenance habits will prolong the life of these transmissions either way, but with the Volvo you have to be religious about it.



BTW, in my particular case it's a 5000 pound SUV with AWD and a big V8 mounted sideways like a FWD the transmission is under a lot of stress in my case, and clearly the previous owners didn't service it like they should.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 8:45p, 3/8/21
AG
Got the clutch job done!

New clutch, dual mass flywheel, slave cylinder, transfer case 'collar sleeve'
Full transmission reseal

$650 labor
$1,150 parts
$100 in Ubers

Parts



The shop, in the HOOD but honest work and good prices









This past weekend I replaced a busted bumper bracket, diagnosed a blown fog light (HID ballast went out) and replaced a broken alarm module which kept setting the alarm siren off randomly









Memes








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Dill-Ag13
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9:02p, 3/8/21
AG
On the to do list currently on the never ending project:

-Replace the leaking thermostat housing (requires removing the accessory belt, power steering pump) $100

-Replace the accessory belt and tensioner (no idea when it was last done, will do with thermostat repair) $85

-Replace a busted vacuum pump solenoid $65

-Replace the throttle body (requires removing the charge air pipe, intercooler to throttle body pipe, radiator fan...) $90 for a lightly used one, didn't want to shell out $300 for a new one

-Add a backup camera $40
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Mookie
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9:59p, 3/8/21
AG
Someone should add up all the projects in this thread, you know in case your kid asks why she can't go to Harvard.
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Aero95
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10:41p, 3/8/21
AG
I watched a BaT auction last week for an 88 BMW M6 like mine, except red. Sold for 39k, seller said he had 80k in receipts over his ownership period... Don't remember how long, maybe 15 years.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Mookie • 5:19a, 3/9/21
AG
It's definitely equivalent to a small a car payment. I'd say ~$150-200/month in repairs and maintenance. I'd have to add it all up and see and subtract out money spent on mods/discretionary.
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Tim Weaver
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 11:38a, 3/9/21
Dill-Ag13 said:
It's definitely equivalent to a small a car payment. I'd say ~$150-200/month in repairs and maintenance. I'd have to add it all up and see and subtract out money spent on mods/discretionary.
But this is the beauty of it. You get to drive a euro super-wagon for the price of a Nissan Versa. Good trade off in my book!
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Tim Weaver • 12:02p, 3/9/21
AG
I agree. Labor of love
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dubi
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 1:47p, 3/9/21
AG
Dill-Ag13 said:
I agree. Labor of love
Do you even just want to throw your hands in the air and be done? I know the dubi family (ie Mr Dubi since he is the mechanic) would have kicked it to the curb a long time ago due to frustration.

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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to dubi • 8:41p, 3/9/21
AG
Once or twice. Some stress at times if repairs don't go as planned or parts get delayed In shipping. But I still LOVE driving the car. Didn't think a machine/material thing could bring so much joy but it really has.
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SnowboardAg
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9:11p, 3/9/21
AG
One of my favorite threads to follow! I respect that this is your DD and you take on the repairs in stride, regardless of the complexity. I wish I had the patience and ability to do it, but you're just right in the deep end and play it off with humor. Cool to see - massive respect!
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Dill-Ag13
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9:29p, 4/17/21
AG
Clutch has broken in well and grabs awesome.

Got a screw in my tire on the way to work a few weeks ago, plugged it.



Car went into limp mode on my way home yesterday. First thing I noticed was it felt sluggish, looked down at my boost gauge and I wasn't getting any boost. No codes, nothing suspicious. Then I heard my radiator fan running full speed, it stayed on full speed all the way home. I guessed IAT sensor or something.

I love the diagnostic software you can get for these cars. Plugged in my laptop and within 5 minutes I had the problem identified: MAP sensor (combined with IAT on the turbo Volvos) was bad. I pulled it and cleaned it and the problem is gone. The sensor is $25 so I'll order and replace once it comes in.





Office shot



Memes





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coolerguy12
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7:35a, 4/18/21
AG
I laughed way too hard at the boomliquid meme
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Tim Weaver
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10:11a, 4/18/21
This thread gives me the happy.



The Hail storm last week in BCS hit our V70 hard. Lots of big dents and smashed the hatch glass(!). Crazily, the sunroof was fine.

So I taped up the rear window, made an appointment to get a new window put in and waited. Yesterday was supposed to be the appointment. Went to start the car and it wouldn't start?

Cranking was extra slow. Threw some jumper cables on it, no change. Poked, prodded, hooked up Vida, and nothing.

I finally undid the serpentine belt and the AC clutch bearing is seized! WTH?!?



So yeah I missed the glass appointment and get to dig out the AC clutch sometime this week.
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Dill-Ag13
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7:07a, 4/22/21
AG
Welp Tuesday sucked. $650 clutch job came back to bite me, had a seal fail between the trans and the angle gear (transfer case), thankful that I caught it.

Fortunately upgraded my AAA so a free tow, a warranty repair and maybe $100 in Ubers and back on the road.

Tow #3 of my ownership, the kids enjoyed:




Can see where the oil was spewing out and spraying across my subframe


Fluid was pretty nasty, apparently as the oil leaks it mixes with rust in the crevices of the transmission housing and comes out looking like chocolate milkshake. I made sure to check my coolant and my engine oil...


Somewhat relevant


Not relevant
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$30,000 Millionaire
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6:53p, 4/22/21
AG
You may eventually replace every part on this car. I am impressed at your commitment to this thing. I would have cut bait a long time ago.
You don’t trade for money, you trade for freedom.
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SnowboardAg
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7:16p, 4/22/21
AG
Cheaper than a car payment!
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to $30,000 Millionaire • 8:34p, 4/22/21
AG
Replacing every part is easy and controlled DIY or shop work. Replacing parts multiple times as rework from a major overhaul is a nut punch.

There's nothing newer on the market like it, idk what else I'd buy.
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longeryak
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 8:57p, 4/23/21
Dill-Ag13 said:
When the Lego store reopened people were standing in line for blocks.


/dad jokes
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JSKolache
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In reply to SnowboardAg • 9:19p, 4/23/21
AG
SnowboardAg said:
Cheaper than a car payment!
Well see that depends on how many payments u got left
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Dill-Ag13
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9:09a, 5/21/21
AG
Well I got her back! The car ended up being down from the evening of 4/19 until 5/5... 16 days without your daily is pretty painful!
The problem ended up not being anything with the transmission and was a leak on the angle gear/transfer case.

Total hit to the wallet came out to:
$282 in Ubers
$450 in labor to the shop to remove the angle gear, split the halves and do a full seal replacement
$163 in parts from FCP Euro
=$895

$895 on top of the $1,650 I paid for the clutch is a big oof. Thankful I could borrow my wife's car on and off. I'm not sure what my plan is from here but I've given myself until August to see how the car does and decide whether I cut my losses or keep on with the pain!

The culprit (seal back behind the splines):


I replaced everything in yellow as part of the rebuilt, boxed off red part was replaced with clutch (which I thought included #3... #3 is what leaked)


Work shot


Accidental hipster pic of car hitting 177k


Oil change last weekend


Thankfully it's Tri season again. Bikes belong on the roofs of wagons


Meme


Made me feel old

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