V70 manual needs clutch - suggestions?

Post by **FireFox31** » 12 May 2007, 10:13

Hello, my 2000 V70 manual clutch is finally worn out after 135k miles and years of my poor shifting. I'm unfamiliar with the process of having it replaced, so maybe you have some suggestions.

Is there a certain type of clutch I should put in? Stock Volvo part or maybe a better aftermarket one?

Where should I have the work done? At a dealership, a Volvo/foreign car independent mechanic, or a transmission shop (AAMCO?)?

What else should be done while replacing the clutch? Trans fluid flush, fluid filter replace, throw bearing replace? I'm just guessing here?

Is there a break in period for the new clutch? How should I drive it during that time?

With your helpful advice, my new clutch will hopefully last another 135k miles! Thanks.

Post by **hausmeister** » 12 May 2007, 12:13

I'd get an original replacement... and have it done by a volvo mechanic, but that's just me. Don't think I'd want to do this myself (but I dont' know how much work this would be)

What else should be done while replacing the clutch? Trans fluid flush, fluid filter replace, throw bearing replace? I'm just guessing here?

Well, changing the transmission oil woud not hurt. There is no filter on a manual trans. Don't know about anything else...

Is there a break in period for the new clutch?

Not that I know of. Just drive normal.

Here is some general info on replacing a clutch with some pics :http://www.automedia.com/Clutch/Decisio ... 020701cd/4

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 May 2007, 12:22

Getting to the clutch is very labor intensive so getting it right parts wise is imperative.

At a minimum you need to change the clutch disc, the pressure plate, and the throwout bearing. An

Post by **FireFox31** » 14 May 2007, 21:54

Thanks for the good information; I'm taking notes.

The only local independant that I'd take it to has closed up shop (after >30 years). So it's going to the dealership. But.... do they care? And do they actually know V70 manual? Will they actually resurface the flywheel, or just say they did?

I have no trust in the dealerships, but they seem like my only option. Is there any way I can keep them honest? ie: know what to look at when they're done (thanks to the link you've posted).

I sure hope I'm actually able to shift better with this new clutch. It's been 5 years of poorly timed, engine jerking, over/under reving, engine flooding shifts and I know I can do better.

Post by **hausmeister** » 15 May 2007, 08:12

FireFox31 wrote: It's been 5 years of poorly timed, engine jerking, over/under reving, engine flooding shifts and I know I can do better.

I'd think it doesn't take very long to get used to shifting...

@Dealers:
Imo they are not so 'bad' over here. Don't know if it's different elswhere. Yesterday I had my timing&serp. belt changed - it was not as expensive as i thought (~370€).

Post by **FireFox31** » 15 May 2007, 18:29

I've been rarely able to shift this car perfectly since the first day I owned it. I've tried adjusting my shift in every way I can think of. Maybe I'm over complicating it, or maybe there's been something slightly wrong with the car all this time. Regardless, I'll probably be starting from scratch with all the new clutch parts in place.

It's off to the dealership tomorrow. I'll post back if anything interesting happens. Thanks all.

Post by **JRL** » 15 May 2007, 19:27

FireFox31 wrote:I've been rarely able to shift this car perfectly since the first day I owned it. I've tried adjusting my shift in every way I can think of. Maybe I'm over complicating it, or maybe there's been something slightly wrong with the car all this time. Regardless, I'll probably be starting from scratch with all the new clutch parts in place.

It's off to the dealership tomorrow. I'll post back if anything interesting happens. Thanks all.

These clutches (obviously when in proper working order) are very easy.
A manual S or V70 is a very easy car to drive with nice, linear clutch action

Furball · Post by **Furball** » 16 May 2007, 01:52

Agree 100% with JRL

Have driven many makes of manual over last 20 years and 2000 model V70 is a light and smooth clutch/shift combination and a pleasure to drive if all mechanicals are in good order.

Only ever any slight 'stiffness' in the change during the first 5 minutes of warm up.

Post by **FireFox31** » 17 May 2007, 19:41

The dealership looked at it and determined that the clutch was not bad. Their method: hold the break, put it in fourth, slowly let off the clutch and see how quickly the car stalled. Since it stalled hard, they think the clutch is ok.

However, when I try to start in first, I feel a fluctuating amount of power. Also, it feels slushy easing into each gear. If I let off the clutch slightly improperly, the car does not lurch as much.

The condition went from its usual "not great" to its current "bad" after a day of hard aggravated driving. Maybe I simply broke something or wore something out. Maybe the clutch is fine.

But there are other long term symptoms. For five years, it has "grabbed at the top end" (only the first few inches of the clutch pedal depression actually pull the plates apart; the rest of the travel is dead space). For the last year, it's been popping out of first gear at 3000-4000 RPM unless I throw the clutch to the floor. The 1-2 shift has always required that I wait an unreasonable amount of time for the engine to slow to match speeds.

I've pondered this transmission from every angle and it's always a battle to shift it well. This slush action only makes it worse. I want to fix it once and for all, and it seems like my dealership does not see it this way. Where can I go for knowledgeable help?

Post by **hausmeister** » 18 May 2007, 12:25

For five years, it has "grabbed at the top end" (only the first few inches of the clutch pedal depression actually pull the plates apart; the rest of the travel is dead space).

Sounds like the pedal should be adjusted? Iirc there should be some "empty" pedal travel, then at about 1/4 the way the clutch should start to disengage, and disconnect before you reach the floor. Something like that.
Don't know how to really describe it.

Also, change the Transmission Oil, this should help with the smoothnes of shifting (if the transmission is still ok). Its not hard to do anyway.

Maybe check the engine mounts? On my old car they also gave me some trouble with shifting when they went bad.

Just some things that I think could help.

Edit:
Check out what Haynes says about clutch faults -

http://666kb.com/i/aogdaxg5lyeqf50a7.jpg