REQUIRED Service?!? (Gear System, Ball Joint, Trans -QUICK!)

Big O · Post by **Big O** » 15 Nov 2002, 10:32

Newbie on the Volvo here . . . sorry if these questions are silly or redundant, but I'm used to 944s, hence I have a few questions.

GF has a '95 850GLT, 72k miles, and it's in for the 70k checkup and t-belt replacement. Of course, the dealer has found a boatload of other things to do which ratchet this from a $3xx preventative repair to a $1600 job.

I'm 800 miles away from the car, so I can't even LOOK myself to confirm which of these items is really needed, but a few tips would help.

1) Timing belt at 72k - not even an issue, we're having that done!
2) Trans fluid is "dark and needs flushing" - not arguing here, either, it's never been done. Wise move?
3) Ball joint is "loose" - I'm not sure how loose and they won't say, just that it needs replacing. How catastrophically do these fail on 850s? On my 944 track car, I can't kid around with ball joints and we replace them at the first sign of slop, but I'm not sure how dramatically the Volvo ones fail . . .
4) "Gear System Sensor" should be replaced - this made the "shift arrow" light flash once or twice, and seems to have triggered the "Check Engine" light. Is this crucial and worth $300+, or should we just reset the light and keep an eye on it from now on?
5) Rear brake pads worn, $95. They also want to replace the rear rotors for another $200 "because they have some discoloration", but I told her since they are neither worn nor vibrate, we should leave those alone.
6) Front deflector missing - apparently some undercarriage deflector is missing and they say it "might overheat or get exposed to debris" - is that really crucial on these cars? It's never overheated all summer. $200+

It's at the shop on the rack now - sorry for the hasty and late post, I forgot this board existed! ;-0

Thanks
Oliver
[email protected]

chriskose · Post by **chriskose** » 16 Nov 2002, 23:26

Whoa, lotta questions:
Can't give my opinion on the fixes I haven't experienced but I do know that Volvo recommends that the discs always be replaced and not resurfaced. Well, i have a 850R and had all four discs resurfaced and OEM pads put on for a bad sqeak and pulsation. The difference is great, No more squeak and no more pulsation. Good luck with the rest

pinkpank · Post by **pinkpank** » 18 Nov 2002, 10:29

I don't think they even resurfaced (I have never had to resurface a rotor in my life, in 500k miles - I must be doing something right . . . ).

Feels fine, tho.

Anyone know anything more about that ""Gear System Sensor"?!? If I knew where and what that was, we might be able to replace that on our own. Because this morning, pulling out of the driveway, the car hesitated going into R and the light flashed again and triggered the "Check Engine" warning. ;-0 Figures.

chriskose · Post by **chriskose** » 18 Nov 2002, 13:49

Check out www.volvospeed.com for info on the gear system sensor. In the repairs section is a placed called BAY 13... very informative volvo info. I believe there's a section on replacin the gear sensor. Bay 13 has all the info you'll need for typical Volvo repairs.

If I remember correctly, replacing the gear sensor isn't too difficult for the average mechanic with electrical experience. You do need to dismantle the center console somewhat and solder the new part in.... Good Luck

pinkpank · Post by **pinkpank** » 18 Nov 2002, 13:58

Ah, thanks - good info there!

If all they are talking about is the gear selector sensor in the console, then that's a no-brainer. I thought this was some esoteric part in the trans!