2007 c70 transmission woes

namron · Post by **namron** » 19 Jul 2016, 01:12

Hi Guys,

Not sure if this is the right place to post so please be kind.

My 2007 c70 has had some vibration/wobble issues for a while, 2 sets of driveshafts later and the problem still persists. Have had wheels balanced, tyres replaced to no avail. Last week while driving in the rain my transmission failed according to the mechanic.

I was at a stop sign and remember the drivers side wheel was on a wet tram track, I accelerated suddenly, the car lurched a bit and remembered feeling the traction control kick in, felt like abs shudder.

After the traffic light turned green, I accelerated to take off and got nothing at all. Nothing in reverse or drive, almost like the transmission had disconnected from the engine! Thank God someone took pity and helped me push it out of the way of the 2 trams behind me!

So i got it towed home and pondered the issue whilst waiting for the mechanic to get back to me, I thought it was one of the new shafts had failed. Mechanic has kindly told me that the transmission is shot, something to do with transmission fluid pressure, solenoids, valves, diff.

Over $800 and 2 sets of driveshafts, now this!. I am told that it would be cheaper and quicker to source a good, low mileage used unit rather than pull this one apart, find faults and fix.

Am at a loss and all I know at this point is that it's going to cost lots to further fix it. Any suggestions or input from you guys would be greatly appreciated. I am a mechanical ignoramus and would like to be forearmed when I discuss the options with the mechanic.

Thanks heaps everyone, looking forward to knowing your thoughts on this.

2007 C70 non turbo geartronic, 85'000 kms, daily driver.

Post by **kcodyjr** » 19 Jul 2016, 15:08

That does sound like a shot transmission to me. If it was a driveshaft, it'd be spinning and making a godawful clanking noise.

I would certainly expect it's cheaper to swap in a used transmission than to repair the one you've got. "Repair" basically means rebuild anyway.

namron · Post by **namron** » 20 Jul 2016, 00:59

Thanks for replying kcodyjr, I struggle to believe that it could just fail so suddenly and without any warning. I'm also told that these units are not the same once opened and rebuilt. Am hoping the mechanic is able to source a decent, low mileage unit.

Post by **precopster** » 20 Jul 2016, 03:06

I find it equally hard to believe that the transmission is at an early death at this mileage.

Where in Melbourne are you located? Is the car at the garage or is it at home? I would be happy to take a quick look as I'm curious about the early demise.

namron · Post by **namron** » 20 Jul 2016, 05:45

Hi Mike, its at a volvo indy in Coburg, apparently there's little to no trans fluid pressure, bung solenoids and i'm told the most economic option is to change the trans over for a second hand low mileage unit rather than a rebuild.

Post by **precopster** » 20 Jul 2016, 17:24

I know the guy and you're in good hands

namron · Post by **namron** » 20 Jul 2016, 18:21

Hi Mike, thank's for the reassurance. He is a great guy, and I have no doubts in his expertise. I'm happier knowing a bit more about what happened to the car, just needed to get my head around it. My biggest fear though is that I could end up in the same situation with this 2nd hand unit 12 months down the track. From what I've read there are conflicting views on whether to rebuild or replace and questionable reliability of the geartronic unit. I will put my faith in the mechanic and trust his judgment 100%.

Post by **precopster** » 21 Jul 2016, 07:08

The factory Volvo rebuilds are good but at $7K to $8K fitted hardly good value.

Indie rebuilds at transmission specialists here have proven to be variable in quality locally. So far not one of the local rebuilders has a proven track record on Volvos.

Which then leaves the used option. In my opinion a good low mileage unit can be as good if not better if carefully chosen and from a car with damaged panels (write-offs are commonplace these days) as long as impact was frontal or rear end.

namron · Post by **namron** » 21 Jul 2016, 20:07

That's what I concluded too. Am still wondering though if the Chinese driveshafts that were installed and felt bad (vibration/wobble) from the start had anything to do with this.

namron · Post by **namron** » 21 Jul 2016, 23:50

What I did forget to mention too, a couple of days after I got it home, I started it and shifted from P to D, there was no movement at all but it did feel like the gear engaged AND, when shifting from D back to P, I could hear the park Pawl ratcheting.