Why I stick to older Volvos!!

[scot850]

Today I was going over the parts for the pending XC60 trans swap. I tend to get obsessed on ensuring everything is in place try to guarantee we have everything available for the job.

Nearly everything seems to be a challenge, and the parts are stupid expensive (how about $33 US for a C-clip on the axle).

Then there is the used axle from a trusted used parts supplier. It is I believe the correct 31 splined axle. It fits into the trans so that is good. But the dealer cannot find the part number on it to confirm the correct C-clip as the number is retired and they can't see it!? There are 3 potential c-clips and 7 axles with multiple re-numberings/substitutions.

I finally found a cross reference to the axle part number on European used parts sites which give a different cross reference which we can track.

Axle seals have 2 options. Discovered they are not axle seals on the LHF axle. It has a sleeve that comes through the 'axle' seal and the axle fits inside that and uses just an 'O' ring to seal that is hidden internally.

I have never had as many challenges with the P2 and older cars figuring stuff out.

Then there are all the 'special' (read expensive Volvo only supplied) tools to install any of the seals in the trans. Even a special tool to rotate the crank to allow you to remove the torque converter bolts. Tools can't be borrowed (maybe one from another manufacturer) so we have had to order 3 tools so far at a cost of over $230 US for a one time use! The owner is paying for the tools thankfully.

The crank tool is about another $120 US if we had to buy that.

So, no, never again! Back to only P2 and older cars!

Neil.

[volvolugnut]

Imagine my tech shock when I got a P2 after decades of 240 Volvos. Scanners, dozens of fuses, power seats, working a/c. Shocking!
volvolugnutr

[scot850]

It's taken me 13 years of owning a P2 to be more comfortable working on them! Fortunately they are not too far removed from the 00 V70R!


Maybe another 10 years and the P3 cars will become less daunting! Having said that, most will probably be in the junkyard!

Having started with a P120 (Amazon) nearly 50 years ago and worked through most models since then up until 2000, I can of stuck there with the exception of the P2. But that has been serviced at the dealer up until Dec 2022. As it is my son's car now, I feel inclined to save him money and do what I can on it. So 120 mile major service is due so I will get stuck in on that. Only pain is the engine tray which requires removing to do anything on the lower engine area.

Oh, well.

Neil.