Login Register

Friendly reminder to check your drains for clogs

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's stylish, distinctive P2 platform cars sold as model years 2001-2007 (North American market year designations).

2001 - 2007 V70
2001 - 2004 V70 XC (Cross Country)
2004 - 2007 XC70 (Cross Country)
2001 - 2009 S60
2003 - 2007 S60 R
2004 - 2007 V70 R

Post Reply
lrock
Posts: 122
Joined: 26 August 2022
Year and Model: 2001 v70 xc
Location: pennsylvania
Has thanked: 9 times
Been thanked: 37 times

Re: Friendly reminder to check your drains for clogs

Post by lrock »

chrism wrote: 27 Dec 2025, 15:38 Thanks, Irock. And thanks for the write-up!
however, i will add that CMUs are rated at 2000 psi compression force. minimum, standard, internationally regulated. the weight of these cars is in the 3600lbs or so curb weight If memory serves for the AWD variety. So as long as one is not
1. using an already compromised block
2. Point loading said block as the only single support
3. using it in an orientation that it's not intended to support a load, say, on it's side (this is likely where many people go wrong, instead of laying something flat like a 2x6 or 2x4 across the openings and opting to place the block on it's side, in which orientation it is not rated for 2000 psi compressive force)

a person should have no problem supporting the full weight of this vehicle on 4 CMU blocks at 4 points. I would, however, still recommend pavers if they're available (they can be had for cheap enough) since their starting compressive rate is more in the neighborhood of 30 MegaPascals, which is around 4300-4400 psi, which should be capable of taking a point load even under a near fully loaded (up to manufacturer specifications) vehicle. though for reasons of keeping the vehicle balanced one should always unload the vehicle as close to curb weight as possible, or make sure their load is either centered or evenly distributed throughout the vehicle, as well as on a level surface. Sometimes, however, the latter is impossible, but the vehicle can be leveled as lifted somewhat safely by having some sturdy shims of a complementing angle to the grade to shim the supports flat and one begins the lift from the lowest of the four corners. It's best to do this with a shimmed bottle jack to lift level so your jack doesn't tip, instead of a quick jack, since they're on wheels and tend to roll as you lift. Best to lift only as high as needed to initially level the vehicle then go around again to add necessary height. always pull the parking brake and chock at least the rear wheels, but any that are on the ground is good practice. i've done this many times on areas that were sloped in two directions so that all four wheels were initially at different heights, leveling the vehicle, then lifting it high enough to roll under on a creeper and do any necessary work without concern.

User avatar
jonesg
Posts: 3501
Joined: 16 January 2008
Year and Model: 2004 V70
Location: Northern maine.
Has thanked: 69 times
Been thanked: 479 times

Post by jonesg »

i used cinder blocks under my boat to hold the keel off the trailer for repairs, i forgot there was a block standing up behind me and tripped over it. it broke into peices. you don't know if theyre cracked.

User avatar
abscate
MVS Moderator
Posts: 35267
Joined: 17 February 2013
Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
Has thanked: 1497 times
Been thanked: 3809 times

Post by abscate »

using an already compromised block
Aye, that’s the rub. A block that has been sitting outside , or been bounced around in the garage , is no longer suitable for dingle support.

Support, backup, and another backup ( usually the jack) if I’m going underneath. No cement blocks.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread

User avatar
BlackBart
Posts: 6492
Joined: 10 December 2016
Year and Model: 2004 XC70 BlackBetty
Location: Over the far far mountains
Has thanked: 927 times
Been thanked: 884 times

Post by BlackBart »

…and a point load on a brittle thing is very bad.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post