Spend $925 on a 13 year old V70 GLT?

mkelly3585 · Post by **mkelly3585** » 16 Feb 2011, 19:00

I need some advice. 98 V70 GLT. I actually have it listed for sale on this site. I put it on there because I'm thinking about selling it but not 100% sure about it. My 18 year old son drives it mostly and loves it and will probably be taking it to college in the fall if I keep it.

I posted before about how tight and hard the steering feels and how you have to pull it back from turns to center. Last year the right front wheel collapsed while just driving down the street with no warning. Up to this point it was fine. Everything was replaced. Axle, control arm, struts etc. also about 6 months prior to thisthe rack was replaced for 650.00. It just never felt "right" Anyway after never getting satisfaction from any mechanic that I took it to, I sought out a Volvo specialist.

I took it there today and he called to say that the rack is cracked and needs to be replaced, and the right ball joint/control arm needs to be replaced. He said that is probably what failed the last time and could happen again. He STRONGLY suggested that all replacement parts are junk and I should only use OEM stuff. He went even as far as to say a used OEM is better than a new non- OEM part. He gave me a price of $925 for a used OEM rack that he will guarantee and a new OEM ball joint/control arm installed.
He said that the steering will be night and day and I won't have any issues with the front end for quite some time. He also said I could use 2 motor mounts, but not right now. Maybe late summer or before he goes off to school. He said essentially I don't have power assist steering but nothing leaks.

So I'm asking for advice. Do I bite the bullet spend the 925 on a 13 year old Volvo? Do I drive to the dealer and get $2,000 (their offer) as it is? I need to do something because I don't want my son driving it when I know the same thing can happen? Ideas????

You can see pics in the "volvos for sale" section.I listed it at $3750 and the list of everything that has been done recently.

peacock · Post by **peacock** » 16 Feb 2011, 19:29

My beloved local mechanic narrowed a touch steering issue down to a failure in the universal joint in the steering mechanism itself. the part took a week to get because the only ones available are from right hand drive models (so the story goes) however he was given specific instructions on just how the job gets done with the different joint, and 3 years later I am still driving around on it. There is the possibility of my steering still being a bit Wonky if you will. i can some times get it to where full lock should be turn left but never right. and the turning radius is slightly sacrificed because of this. I also wasn't leaking any fluid.

Post by **RyanGLT** » 17 Feb 2011, 07:19

Honestly...unless you have gobs of money to trade it in AND pay a few grand for another used car with essentially unknown issues...it might be worth it. I didn't look at your listing but if the car is in good shape (no rust, etc) I'd go for it and get it fixed. These are just such good cars..

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 17 Feb 2011, 08:18

I agree with ryanGLT, you have to consider the alternatives when calculating costs and reliability. If the engine, transmission, tires etc. are good then I'd say fix the steering/suspension and send it off to college. Unless you are planning to spend a lot more money to get a much newer used car for your son, I'd say keep the car you know is fine except for this $925 fix.

Post by **JRL** » 17 Feb 2011, 08:40

PM'ed you

Post by **cn90** » 17 Feb 2011, 08:53

I have the same car 1998 V70 with 110K miles. Very good mechanically speaking: engine/trans work great at that mileage.
In fact, some people here have way more mileage such as 200K, 250K, 300K etc.

Since this was a very good year/model, I'd suggest that you replace the Steering Rack.

Eeuroparts has the Steering Rack listed for $290. PN 5003968X.

fcpgroton.com lists it for $349, but the INNER tierods are included.

Search around for the best "brand".

Also, local autoparts store may carry that as well.

If you are mechanically inclined then buy the Rebuild Kit and rebuild yourself for $50!
http://www.pskits.com/catalog/rackvolvo-c-21_60.html

Typical ZF Rebuild procedure:
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/9 ... -pics.html

Post by **JRL** » 17 Feb 2011, 09:29

Grotons rebuilt racks USED to be good, now they're using Chinese racks which are NOT so good.
You need to know the brand of any rebuilt rack. If it was done in the USA it's probably OK

aahmes57 · Post by **aahmes57** » 17 Feb 2011, 09:57

I was in a similar situation with my daughters car, I had oil everywhere. I put it up for sale for $1400, 98 s70 178000 miles OBO. I got lowball offers for like 500-600
I had already did all the brakes, changed out the trans fluid, brake fluid and coolant.
When it was for sale I stumbled on this site. Posted my issue, as you did and received all the advice I could handle convincing me that the sale was the wrong option.
I fixed it for less than $150 and a days work however, since then this site, having given me the confidence to repair what I thought was beyond my capability, I've since done the front axles, flex brake lines, abs module, oil cooler lines and most recently compression testing to see if it was worth doing the timing belt and associated parts, water pump, struts and shocks this spring.

So be careful with this site, these people know to much and not only will they tell you what to fix and detail how to do it but they will give you the confidence to do it and have you spending money like me and having you fix the car yourself with things that you thought were beyond your ability.

I would keep the car and get my hands dirty for a week or so.

Gratefully speaking.
John

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 17 Feb 2011, 10:42

It sounds like you are well on your way to being a smiling Volvo owner.
These are good solid cars. You take care of them, they'll take of you.
13 years for one of these is just a breakin period. They are built to last.
And the clincher in your post is the Great News that you've found a good shop!

With a good mechanic that knows these cars, you are waaay ahead of the game.
$925 is small potatoes next the hassle of rolling into a whole new can of worms.
I'd say, stick with this guy. It sounds like he is giving you very good advice.
Do both of yourselves a favor and Pay the Man.

Welcome aboard and Good Luck with the ride!

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Feb 2011, 11:14

so where can you get a good, rebuilt rack?

EDIT:
Accrding to web sites the racks at FCP and eEuro are the same: Atlantic Enterprises.
AutohausAZ sells a rebuilt rack by Maval for $260, new rack by FEQ for $580 (pricey!).

Car needs a rack, leaks slowly out both sides, don't want to rebuild it myself, any good suggestions?