1999 V70 Alternator Replacement - will one from a 1998 work?

VolvoMonkey · Post by **VolvoMonkey** » 20 Apr 2013, 13:17

I have a 1999 V70 XC AWD and need to replace the alternator.

The local pick-n-pulls have a couple of 1998 V70s. I'm not sure where to look to see if I can take an alternator from one of the '98s and put it in my car. I'd appreciate any advice!

Also, is alternator failure a common problem; should I not bother with the junkyard and instead get a new one?

Post by **precopster** » 20 Apr 2013, 15:09

Unfortunately the '98 won't go in your '99. If yours is clamped between the a/c compressor and the block yours is the later style but the good news is pretty much anything to 2007 should fit.

If the voltage dropped and the bearings are fine I would just replace the regulator. Plenty of them on eBay. I did a video tutorial a while ago on refurbishing '99 V70 regulator.

VolvoMonkey · Post by **VolvoMonkey** » 20 Apr 2013, 17:32

Awesome. Thanks for the info.

The bearings are starting to make a bunch of noise so unfortunately I need to replace the whole thing.

VolvoMonkey · Post by **VolvoMonkey** » 21 Apr 2013, 15:25

How often do alternators fail? Am I better off getting a new one?

Post by **JRL** » 21 Apr 2013, 15:50

Anywhere from 100K to never
I have a 2000 Alternator for sale, (this will fit).

If interested, please email me
jrl1194(at)aol(dot)com

Post by **Pauloil** » 21 Apr 2013, 17:43

good time to replace the starter cable and also B+ cable from batt. to fuse box.

Post by **precopster** » 21 Apr 2013, 18:19

Accessory belt tensioner idler could be the noise source. I would pull the alternator, spin it by hand and see what is actually noisy. The tensioner idler is an easy fix and cheap.

VolvoMonkey · Post by **VolvoMonkey** » 21 Apr 2013, 20:37

Awesome. Thanks for the information. I'll take a look at the idler as soon as I get the chance.

Pauloll: what is the reason for replacing the starter cable and B+ cable?

Post by **erikv11** » 21 Apr 2013, 20:41

Give the cables a look. They tend to fall apart at the ends over time, especially the ends at the battery and at the fuse box. You can also check to make sure they don't get warm to the touch. But I wouldn't replace them preventively, just do it if it is needed. Because while it is a good thing to keep an eye on, there is no advantage to doing it now.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2013, 23:41

Above are the pictures from my 00 V70. This is the end in the fuse box. They last 7-9 years a Volvo mechanic told me. Be careful wht you buy, as even the ones I got from Volvo were rubbish compared to the originals. They look like the generic stuff you buy on line. They came with no heatshrink on the ends and the end of the B+ cable where it joins the +ve cable at the battery in channel sectioned, but the new battery to starter motor cable is flat, so you have to flatten it to fit. The starter to alternator again was a peice of rubbish, and it needed a step made inthe end at the starter motor to fit over the battery to starter cable. Look carefully at the old parts you remove to make sure the new ones have the same profiles. I fitted my own heatshrink and covered the ends with dielectric grease.

I raised the issue with Volvo Canada back in early February through the dealer and am still waiting to hear about why they are selling crap for lots of money (approx $140 CDN each).

Surprisingly, still no answer!

Hope this helps.