Front End Work

[erikv11]

Most of the stuff on your list is very typical to fail by this mileage, but not the brake master cylinder. Make sure you get a second opinion on that one, it is very unusual for that to fail.

[S1L3NTSH0UT]

Most of the stuff on your list is very typical to fail by this mileage, but not the brake master cylinder. Make sure you get a second opinion on that one, it is very unusual for that to fail.

That's interesting. I had it towed to a shop about a mile from me (it's a reputable place with solid reviews) because it was sitting for quite a while and wouldn't start. Aside from a battery replacement since the old was actually bad, they did a brake fluid flush and replaced the hoses. That's when they told me about the master cylinder. I can brake but the pedal pretty much goes to the floor.

Another thing I've been noticing over the last 2 weeks or so is that the engine seems to be burning something. I read about the PCV and tried doing the glove test, and it passed. I replaced the oil cap gasket and got an oil change since it was due about now anyway. I smell something burning when it's been running for a while, and I've been noticing what looks like a light layer of black soot accumulating on the car, as well as these weird little clear speckles on the back window. I do notice a slight leak under the car but I can't tell what it is because it's clear and none of the fluid reservoirs in the engine compartment seem to be getting lower (or the oil for that matter).

[wch2032]

Is the "pedal to the floor" only at engine start-up or is it throughout an entire drive? If the former, could be the brake vacuum switch. My brakes were very soft at engine start that it made pulling out of park quite scary, got better after running for 15 mins or so.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... o-31265825

I would opt for quick struts. Its a 20 yr old car, no way I would pay dealership prices .
https://www.completestruts.com/product/ ... ab-content

Take the quick struts to a different garage and pay for installation.

Have you used these struts before?

[S1L3NTSH0UT]

Is the "pedal to the floor" only at engine start-up or is it throughout an entire drive? If the former, could be the brake vacuum switch. My brakes were very soft at engine start that it made pulling out of park quite scary, got better after running for 15 mins or so.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... o-31265825

It is pedal-to-the-floor for the entire time the car is running/driving.

[erikv11]

Okay definitely sounds like there is a brake problem, could be the master cylinder yes. Could the clear li=quid be brake fluid - did you check the level of that reservoir too? Maybe there is a leak at the MC.

[S1L3NTSH0UT]

Okay definitely sounds like there is a brake problem, could be the master cylinder yes. Could the clear li=quid be brake fluid - did you check the level of that reservoir too? Maybe there is a leak at the MC.

It could be possible, I haven't checked the reservoir in a few days. Last time I was in there I did notice a seeping from the power steering hose that is under the PS reservoir (the larger hose). I went ahead and tightened the hose clamps on both hoses. The container didn't really look like it was that low though. Maybe it's a combination of both things.

[KurtL]

I had a 2001 V70 2.4T. I got quoted $2600 to do the struts and control arms. I bought the parts and tools for $950 and did them myself. It wasn't too hard. I probably spent 15 hours on it since I had never done it before. Saved me $100/hour and kept the car from getting junked.

After I bought my 2005 V70R I replaced the same parts.

[abscate]

I had a 2001 V70 2.4T. I got quoted $2600 to do the struts and control arms. I bought the parts and tools for $950 and did them myself. It wasn't too hard. I probably spent 15 hours on it since I had never done it before. Saved me $100/hour and kept the car from getting junked.

After I bought my 2005 V70R I replaced the same parts.

…and you probably got 100k mile parts, not 25k mile parts…

[scot850]

If you are getting a white colored smoke from the tailpipe it could be brake fluid. Watch the level. A soft pedal can also be badly bled brakes or failure of the brake booster pump.

Neil.