V70 AWD 1998 VC Coupling Failure After Costly Repairs

[cn90]

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies. Here's a quick update. I decided that if maintaining the car is considerably less than a car payment I would keep it for another year. Have had to replace the alternator (expensive Bosch) and the battery. Now as winter approaches in Chicago the heating does not work and the radiator fan stays on after turning off the car. I will see a diagnosis and make a cerebral decision as to keeping the car. Meanwhile, it drives fine without the driveshaft — no problems yet. Thanks again.

* Agree on driveshaft removal, car is now FWD. You will be fine.

* Heater does not work and radiator fan runs all the time? = time to replace the tstat ($15 for Wahler) and ECT ($50 at local Volvo dealer). I posted instructions on how to DIY in forum.

[rmmagow]

In general, if you don't fix some things yourself, these cars are on the expensive side to keep. However, at $166 per month, that is not bad for a nice car that has the comfort and convenence of many new cars. A new or newer car with less required repairs will cost more monthly, including insurance.

Which is truly the argument for keeping these cars. I generally try to keep at least 2 of each model I own, first, so I know how to put it back together and second to keep one running for day-to-day use. Extra insurance is pretty low. Of course my driveway is almost always full and cars in the driveway help deter unwelcome visitors My only new car in 30 years was a Subaru Forester in 2001 and it was a headache from day 1, blown headgaskets, RUST RUST RUST, wheel bearings etc etc. It was bad enough I never even considered a second back-up for it. Still like them though, billy-goat in the snow. Now if I can bring myself to pony up for a propshaft and some new tires maybe I can get that out of my AWD V70.

[instarx]

deleted redundant post - did not realize this was an older thread.

[profjmm]

Thanks to all for the most helpful comments. The heating issue turned out to be a thermostat coil which was replaced very cheaply.

With helpful perspective from members here (thanks again!), and since I really do like the car, and with winter in Chicago now here I had a refurbished driveshaft installed by a European Auto shop. More expense! But AWD again.

This resolved the previous shudder in slow tight turns but now there is a tapping, knocking sound at all speeds, intense under 30 mph whether coasting or accelerating. And even at standstill in drive the car rattles but not in neutral. So I submitted a new post (hope that was apprortiate) — "V70 AWD 1998 Problem After Refurbrished Driveshaft Installed." I will return to the mechanic. Perhaps it is an unbalanced driveshaft?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[profjmm]

Thanks to you and all for the wise consuderations. I di not repair it myself hence you are correct, it is indeed "nickel-dime-ing me to death." But it drives so much better and is so much sturdier than most Hondas, Toyotas, etc., that I have driven. Still, it feels like a costly "death spiral" lately! Thanks again for the reply!

[Ben850]

It sounds like you don't have any emotional attachment to the car and you're experiencing what most of us here already know: Volvo's are expensive to maintain.

Many of us, myself included, continue to maintain these cars despite the high cost for various reasons but at the heart of it we have some sort of attachment to these outdated, stubborn slabs of steel that goes beyond the usual driver-car relationship. We appreciate these cars and, most of the time, enjoy working on them.

It sounds like for you the car is just a means to get you from point A to point B, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! If that's the case you will find much cheaper options out there. Any late model Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, etc will fit the bill and cost far less to maintain than your Volvo. Going with a used model will save you on the car payments.

Just cool M.
That is the emotion, (not sure where it comes from), that makes it fun to keep these things alive.

Matty Moo had made fun of me just yesterday while grouping me with himself, As to say it keeps us out of trouble.
That may well be true. I also enjoy the fruits of my labours in motion. "I like a da drive..."

[profjmm]

Thanks again for the good input! Looks like it was not VC and it drove well in FWD. Refurbished driveshaft just installed and a new tapping/shudder occurs, mostly under 30mph, but turns are fine now! Not sure why! If mechanic cannot fix it I will request refund and go back to FWD.

[profjmm]

It sounds like you don't have any emotional attachment to the car and you're experiencing what most of us here already know: Volvo's are expensive to maintain.

Many of us, myself included, continue to maintain these cars despite the high cost for various reasons but at the heart of it we have some sort of attachment to these outdated, stubborn slabs of steel that goes beyond the usual driver-car relationship. We appreciate these cars and, most of the time, enjoy working on them.

It sounds like for you the car is just a means to get you from point A to point B, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! If that's the case you will find much cheaper options out there. Any late model Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, etc will fit the bill and cost far less to maintain than your Volvo. Going with a used model will save you on the car payments.

Just cool M.
That is the emotion, (not sure where it comes from), that makes it fun to keep these things alive.

Matty Moo had made fun of me just yesterday while grouping me with himself, As to say it keeps us out of trouble.
That may well be true. I also enjoy the fruits of my labours in motion. "I like a da drive..."

Well, I am fond of the car but I don't work on it much myself so the expense keeps draining...

[Ben850]

"Well, I am fond of the car but I don't work on it much myself so the expense keeps draining..."

I would have to say move on and be done with it.

I have just purchased one of the headaches you do not need anymore it would seem.
That year, these cars are non-stop monitoring.

There is a '99 V70 AWD I have been taking apart at the yard that I frequent.
Now that I own an AWD, I may drop the complete rear end and drive assembly out of it, and add it to my hoarding issues at my storage, for sake of the price otherwise.

I am a glutton for punishment though I was told.

That would be it. Not for everyone though.

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