Questions about Maintaining an 850t

starbug · Post by **starbug** » 09 Jan 2013, 19:06

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie to maintaining a car on my own. I've got some questions that might seem basic, but I could really use some advice.

I have a 1995 Volvo 850T wagon. I'd like to keep it as long as I can and its mostly in good shape, but needs a little attention.

I need to replace the tires, but I don't know what kind to get. Any advice? Also, I have 1 tire that was bought for the car, should I attempt to get 3 that match it or just go about getting 4 all new? I'm low on cash, but I don't want to go so cheap that I ruin the car somehow.

The other main thing is that it seems to be low on power steering fluid. It steers rough. And when i Looked in the tank with the gauge, it was at the area marked low. What kind of power steering fluid should I get? Do I just pour it in with a funnel?

I have more Qs but that seems good for an intro. Your advice will be appreciated. I hope to stick around a while and learn some things!

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Jan 2013, 19:18

Welcome to MVS. People around here will be glad to help you out, so ask away!

I already like you...usually people put questions they have into one HUGE paragraph that's impossible to read. My brain just can't do that.

About the tires...what do you want from a tire? Grip? Snow performance? Soft, quiet ride? Tread life? No one good recommendation that will do all of those.

Power steering fluid - get a turkey baster and suck out all of the fluid in the reservoir; I bet it's burnt anyhow. Fill it back up with Dexron-III auto transmission fluid (the stop-leak stuff if you prefer - it shouldn't be low anyway). Run the steering lock to lock a few times, and then repeat the above procedure removing the fluid 3-4 times til you've got all-new fluid in there. It'll do your car a lot of good.

Also check the transmission fluid (the dipstick is on the drivers side of the engine, hidden underneath an air intake hose. Should be a bright, clear red. If it's not, drain the pan via the plug at the bottom, measure and refill the amount that came out, and then repeat the procedure 1-2 weeks down the road for a total of 3-4 times. The transmission uses just standard Dexron-III.

Post by **rspi** » 09 Jan 2013, 19:20

Wow. Welcome to the forum.

I also have a 850 Turbo Wagon that is a '95 model.

Most tires will work. I actually found 4 new tires on CraigsList and had them put on at Wal-Mart. Saved about $250, about $550 0n what I had planned to do.

The cap of the power steering pump will likely have the type of fluid that goes in there. It's transmission fluid. If you don't have an owners manual, use the one online at Volvo's website.

Here is a good read for a new 850 owner:
http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... v70s-9266/

starbug · Post by **starbug** » 09 Jan 2013, 20:39

Thanks jblackburn. Paragraphs make a post seem less daunting than walls of text; as such, they're good friends of chatter-boxes such as yours truly!

I guess a smooth ride would be a priority for me. It doesn't snow where I live, but it rains a whole lot! Mostly, it's suburb and highway driving that I manage and mostly short trips; not the best for the car, unfortunately, so I try to give it a good long drive once in three weeks. I might be looking to make that change with a 2-4 hour commute (daily) so I know that the tired need updating, as they are ancient; one of them likes going kinda flat every week and needs pumping up.

The one tire I have us a brand called Yokohama. It is a 205/50 R16. The tech specs that came with the car (just researched them) called for Michelin 205/55 16R.

Will my car be less likely to get messed up by speed umps with an R16 or R17? I recently managed a speed bump pothole combo that caused a plasticky piece of the undercarriage to break on one side and had to get it reattached. Gave me a fright that I never want to repeat. :/

Thanks for the info on the steering fluid. I'll look into all the parts and stare at the tank to build up some courage.

I've never done much car maintenance other than filling up gas, checking fluid levels, and adding wiper fluid, but I am up for a challenge, I think, because it helps one's skills grow!

Is there a particular brand of the fluid that's good? Mobile 1 or something else? Is it possible that I have a leak somewhere?

starbug · Post by **starbug** » 09 Jan 2013, 20:55

Thanks, rspi. Looks like we're car buddies! How long have you had your car?

I didn't even consider Walmart, but thanks for the suggestion. I have a thing against CraigsList (that's a story that has nothing to do with cars) but it sounds like you found a bargain there, so I may have a look despite my bias. What kind of tires did you find there?

Also, I'll have a look at the manual you linked. I do have an owners manual and a Haynes manual, but surprisingly couldn't find the info there. Must have overlooked it. An electronic resource is always, useful, though.

starbug · Post by **starbug** » 09 Jan 2013, 20:59

Oh, and should all four be the same brand? Could I get away with buying just three that are also 205/50 R16? Or, should I buy all four identical and let this become my new spare?

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Jan 2013, 21:09

Welcome, Starbug. I've had good luck using Craigslist for wheels and tires. First of two buys was 15-inch "Cetus" Volvo wheels at $80(!) (but poor condition tires), while the second was a $250 set of "Eurus" wheels with 2nd-tier-brand tires with good tread.

Euruses(sp?)

Tires aren't something that affect other areas of the car. Typically it's the other way around, for instance, worn front suspension parts will cause uneven tire wear.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Jan 2013, 21:10

All 4 tires should be the same brand to prevent differences in traction. Keep the Yokohama as a spare. Use a 55/R16 tire. 55 = slightly larger sidewall for more flexible tire to absorb bumps. These cars ride extremely rough - the S70 was almost unbearable around this area with potholes every 2 feet.

17" rims will give you a harsher ride as there's less tire to absorb the impact, with a rim more likely to get bent by big bumps.

I loved my Yokohamas, but they're really more of a performance tire that grips like glue, but don't last all that long. Continental ExtremeContact are one of the best tires I've driven on for comfort and grip and noise, but only last about 40,000 miles. For long-life and good rain traction, as well as a good ride, look at Michelin Primacy or General Altimax. Stay far, far away from anything by Bridgestone or Firestone or BF Goodrich. Never had anything I've liked by them.

Tirerack.com is your friend. Read reviews, pick out what you're looking for before making a decision. Tires have always been something that matter a lot to me, as I know having good tires can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Any Dex-III fluid will do - no need to go with the expensive stuff. Valvoline or store-brand is just fine - it all has to meet the minimum specs anyway. Motor oils are a different story.

Post by **rspi** » 10 Jan 2013, 07:16

I've had my current wagon for about 20 months. My monthly cost is dropping since I've been taking care of it, I hardly do anything to it any more. Great car with over 220,000 on it.

starbug · Post by **starbug** » 18 Jul 2013, 16:06

So I ended up getting Kumho tires; same as what was on it already. My sister and brother in law bought them for me as a gift. I thought it was nice. However, thanks to you fine folks, I have lots of notes on what to look for when I buy tired next.

I posted a question in the forum, but am unsure if its in the correct place.

Can anyone explain to me what these things (the dealer says I need some repairs at some point in time) mean: Torn CV Boot, Bent Link Rod, Solid M Mount in need of repair.

Are these urgent issues? Dangerous? Can I wait a few months on them? I'm short on cash (flat out broke) and might need to travel for work a bit, driving 250 miles a week or so, to earn the funds for repairs. The dealer quoted me 975 dollars to repair these things.

I'd appreciate any advice or info either here or on the other thread.