What should I invest in to check/repair

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 06 Mar 2017, 19:03

My 1995 Volvo 850GLT has 122,000 miles on it. It's a manual, non-turbo.

It runs well generally speaking. I'm going to put it in the shop at some point soon for some cabin work, leather/headline types of things.

As it turns 125,000 soon, what are the things I should have looked at by my mechanic to help insure my car lasts another 100,000.

I love my car and have no desire to sell it etc. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Post by **tryingbe** » 06 Mar 2017, 20:00

When was the timing belt/waterpump last changed?

Post by **erikv11** » 06 Mar 2017, 20:10

The factory front suspension tends to fall apart in the 110k - 150k range. Check out the control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, struts and spring seats.

magna224 · Post by **magna224** » 06 Mar 2017, 20:45

They both have great ideas. Freshening up the suspension will make you love your car even more unless somehow it's managed to hold up exceedingly well. You can do with a poor ride for a while but you can't do without a timing belt though. I'd say to do the timing belt and water pump first and suspension next. My pump blew at 140k while my other car I don't think ever had a new pump its entire 300k mile life. If you do the timing belt might as well get everything down there taken care of too.

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Mar 2017, 00:29

I agree, timing pathway parts first!

Post by **850 LPT** » 07 Mar 2017, 06:30

Your PCV system is probably still fine at that mileage if you were diligent about oil changes, but it never hurts to check. Do the "glove test" for peace of mind.

Post by **oragex** » 07 Mar 2017, 06:51

erikv11 wrote:The factory front suspension tends to fall apart in the 110k - 150k range. Check out the control arms, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, struts and spring seats.

Worth inspecting the above along with the dust booths at the steering rack. If any of these are still good, no need to replace them now, these are quite easily replaced later on.

The most important thing to know is which replacement brands should be used. Read here on forums.
Yours being a non turbo, you need to remove the air box thermostat and set the flap for cold air, similar to this
The PCV must be inspected by now.
Regardless of the condition, I would replace all 4 shock absorbers along with the front spring seats: very important to buy only the brands people recommend here for these parts.
I'd remove the serpentine belt and inspect by hand the alternator, a/c compressor and tensioner pulleys.
Replace the coolant thermostat if original.

splats · Post by **splats** » 07 Mar 2017, 07:19

Maybe the heater core - I needed to replace mine when I got it with 140k miles on it.

(I agree with timing belt first.)

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 07 Mar 2017, 07:31

Change the transmission fluid. Makes shifting feel smoooother!

viper69 · Post by **viper69** » 13 Mar 2017, 01:41

tryingbe wrote:When was the timing belt/waterpump last changed?

Not long ago. I checked yesterday, I have 80,000 miles to go on that.