An MVS user emailed me asking what to do about his delta links... can he DIY his own tool. Here's my response:
I don’t think there is a DIY to make the tool. However there is almost everything else to help with the repair.
First, you can look on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for Volvo tool # 999 5497.
Second, you could make one from the photos here https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/how-t ... link-tool/
Last, here’s how to do it by using ratchet concept https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/delta ... epair-diy/
Anyone have anything to add? Do we have a tool creation DIY here that I missed? He was asking specifically about Big Blue.
(Gone are the days of 2012-2015 when this repair was being done by everyone, their neighbor, and their grandmother. I think that was the middle of the repair frequency bell curve. I was a busy bee sending Big Blue out for loaner duty, as well as an actual # 999 5497. Thank goodness for USPS flat shipping! BB weighed quite a bit. Many thanks to JD and everyone who helped with this effort.)
Please critique my delta link tool advice
- matthew1
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scot850
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Even the OE Volvo tool is just ok, but it likes to bend. There used to be a stiffener to reduce this issue but it is now hard to find.
Neil.
Neil.
2006 V70 2.5T AWD Polestar tune
2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
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1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
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2000 V70 R - still being an endless PITA
2006 XC70 - Our son now has this and still parked in our garage
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 Limited
2015 Kia Sportage EX-L - Sold
1993 850 GLT -Sold
1998 V70 XC - Sold
1997 Volvo 850 SE NA - Went to niece in California - Sold
2000 V70 SE NA - Sold
- matthew1
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Yea my #9995497 got its threads stripped, and JD built BB to be a durable solution. #9995497 was never going to work for links beyond 5-10 years post factory, it was never a serious tool. It made up for its lack of durability with its lack of affordability.
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.
Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!
1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
How to Thank someone for their post

Also -> Amazon link. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!
1998 V70, no dash lights on
1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace
2004 V70 R [gone]
How to Thank someone for their post

- abscate
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It made up for its lack of durability with its lack of affordability.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
- Clemens
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I think skandix has the stiffener. if I recall correctly it is basically a metal brace with two long bolts to prevebt the Volvo tool from bendingscot850 wrote: 04 Oct 2025, 15:39 Even the OE Volvo tool is just ok, but it likes to bend. There used to be a stiffener to reduce this issue but it is now hard to find.
Neil.
1996 855 R,
black on black, M56 swapped, Quaife, TME 2.5 exhaust, 17 inch Volants
2010 V70 D5,
Saville Gray on tan leather, 18 inch Odysseus
black on black, M56 swapped, Quaife, TME 2.5 exhaust, 17 inch Volants
2010 V70 D5,
Saville Gray on tan leather, 18 inch Odysseus
- abscate
- MVS Moderator
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I think the drill and heat/ melt is the way to get these out. Messy but effective.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
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