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Delta Link Repair DIY
As I’ve mentioned before, I have had a persistent “clunk” in my rear suspension and a “wandering” sensation at highway speeds.
I tried the fender washer in the shock mount repair which yielded no change in the sound and then, just to make sure on the easy stuff, I ordered some new shock mounts from FCP Groton. I replaced them and still no change in the clunk.
A couple of weeks ago I decided that a Chief’s halftime Sunday project was to find out what the problem was. As soon as I jacked up the car it was apparent, I had over 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vertical travel in my rear trailing arm end links. The right side was the worst as I could actually see the ball joint that should have been immersed in rubber.
Boost Gauge Install DIY
How to Install a Boost Gauge
This Volvo Forum topic covers installation of a boost gauge. Your model of Volvo might be different from the photos and description, but the concepts are there. Wiring, routing the vacuum tube, it’s all here.
A boost gauge — I recommend the IPD “R” unit, the display is gorgeous — is mandatory for any serious further speed modifications.
Wiper Linkage Adjustment
After dealing with what was thought to be a driver’s side wiper arm issue (common), the issue resulted in replacement of the entire wiper linkage or transmission (also known as the “frame.”). During the replacement process, there was huge confusion as to the proper alignment of the wiper linkage. Continue reading Wiper Linkage Adjustment
Aftermarket Heated Seats
“I don’t handle the cold well, and this is our second Ohio Winter. After last year I swore I’d have remote start and heated seats before I went through another Ice Age. I got the remote start done back in Nov. but I really dreaded the upholstery work involved with the seats, turns out it wasn’t that bad. I killed two birds with one stone, so to speak, doing the heated seat upgrade at the same time as fixing the recline cable.”
Aftermarket Heated Seats
How to Check Your Antifreeze Strength
Antifreeze (coolant) circulates through the engine to keep it at its ideal running temperature. It’s water-based. The problem is that if it’s pure water, it freezes at 0C or 32F, and it will literally crack your engine. Yes, freezing water is stronger than iron or aluminum metal.
Thus we have antifreeze. It drastically reduces the temperature at which water freezes, so that we don’t have to buy new engines every year.
But because antifreeze can lose its strength for a variety of reasons, it’s a good idea to check the temperature at which your Volvo’s antifreeze, well, freezes. This Volvo Repair Database post tells you how to do that. Hint: it costs less than $5 and takes less than 5 minutes. Continue reading How to Check Your Antifreeze Strength
S80, V70 (2001+), S60, XC90 Blower Motor Repair Tutorial
I’ve had trouble with my interior climate control blower fan squealing at startup, more persistently when it’s cold out.
The problem has become more frequent over the past year, so I finally decided it was time to replace the blower motor. The first post in this thread was quite helpful for my 2001 V70, but I wanted to post up pictures and a few hints regarding the specific application of a blower motor replacement in my vehicle in the hopes that these pictures can be of use to some of you out there.
Volvo Engine Oil Change — The Easy Way
I wrote a short and sweet DIY for Oil Change using wood ramps and no need to jack the car up. Basically as sweet and simple as possible! You can do this for under 30 minutes.
[Have a newer Volvo? See this S80, S60 and V70 2001+ Oil Change DIY forum topic.]
NOTE: Best is to do this with warm engine, so after a trip somewhere, park it at home and let it cool down for 30 minutes or so. I change my oil twice a year, or about 5K-6K miles. I don’t want to get into a debate about change interval (Maintenance minder, 5K, 7.5K, 10K, and so on). This is what I do and is what I believe in: every 5-6K miles or so.
* WINTER: 5W30 Synthetic Oil for easier cold start.
* SUMMER: 10W30 Synthetic Oil (Standard Oil is fine too).
PCV Job for V70 and S70 Non-turbo
Since mine is a Non-Turbo, there are minor different designs compared with Turbo Models. In addition, I will point to areas of possible problems for people.
- Read the above write-up for Turbo.
- Copy Radio AM FM channels, disconnect battery for safety.
- Remove electrical connections to Throttle and Idle Valve
- Remove these 2 hoses (my vacuum hose is brittle so I replaced it)
- The PCV connection to elbow: turn it Counter-Clockwise (when viewed end on, similar to opening a bottle cap) a bit, it will come off the plastic Elbow.
Torquing Control Arm Bolts Using A Jack
I have installed new control arms and I am at the point where I need to torque the bushing bolts. I have my car up on ramps but that gives me very limited access to the nuts, to work my torque wrench into place. I’ve read where some have put the hub under load using a jack. That seems like it would give me the room I need but I don’t know how to carry out this procedure. Any advice?