2004 S60 R What are the top 5 problems?

EBrinkly · Post by **EBrinkly** » 03 Sep 2013, 19:52

I am a Volvo owner since ~ 2005. In January 2013, I bought a '04 S60 R (114K mi.) to replace my recently deceased '04 V60. I have only had wagons before this car.

I didn't know much about the 'R' series, and truthfully, still do not know that much. I bought privately, have all the records from the previous owner(s), and can see that it has been well maintained. Timing belt was changed many miles ago, all maintenance is up to date, and other than little things, it looks like it hasn't had any problems. Overall, I'm happy with the car.

I've read through this site, and found some issues here or there, but I would like to know what sort of issues other owners have experienced. I am currently at about 118K, and want to mentally prepare myself for anything that might happen.

CamZH · Post by **CamZH** » 04 Sep 2013, 00:25

Like you I've recently bought a '04 S60R
I didnt do a whole lot of research either, but I've been driving an 850R for the past 5-6 years, so figured it was time to update. And what better than an S60R ?
So far mine is ok (for all the 2 weeks I've had it)

From what I can tell the front axle bolts (that hold the CV shaft into the carrier) have a habit of coming loose.

My biggest issue right now is the radio.
It works fine, but I'm used to something that is a little more multi media friendly.
So in the process of trying to replace this.
Keeping the steering wheel controls (SWC) seems to be an issue for a lot of people.
I've found a place that has a unit to retain them, but at US$215 + post, is far from cheap.

The angle gear looks like it is prone to stripping when the car breaks traction on loose surfaces and then finds traction on a firm surface.

Cant think of anything else off the top of my head...

I've found most of this info on Swedespeed.
There is a lot 'talk' over there, but amongst it all there is also some very useful info.

EBrinkly · Post by **EBrinkly** » 04 Sep 2013, 17:34

Thanks CamZH for the insight. Good to know about the front axle bolts. I'm not entirely concerned about the SWC at this point, just anything that will keep the wheels from rolling (I haven't experienced any problems with anything in the interior). But good to know, nonetheless.

Any other '04 S60 R owners out there?

Cheers!

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Sep 2013, 19:55

Is your R an auto trans or manual trans model?

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 04 Sep 2013, 22:40

If your axle bolts are coming loose they should either be replaced with the XC90 axle bolts(to fix posible ping noise) or at the very least the proper strength thread lock reapplied and torqued correctly; cant say I've ever heard of these axle bolts loosening. As for the lack of multimedia, I just bought a GROMM audio device that gives me USB, aux input, bluetooth etc with my existing factory head unit. It's not installed yet but I've seen solid reviews. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_499 ... VOL01.html

Top 5 in my opinion(or atleast what I can think of now)
1. Front control arm bushings(~100k mile life span at best)
2. AWD(temp/pressure sensor, angle gear leaks, collar stripping out due to corrosion) Not to bad when driven nice and maintained.
3. To low to the stinking ground(bottoming out to much)
4. Front lower seat backs creak and pop eventually from WHIPS system(known fix for this)
5. Transmission cooler causing antifreeze to enter transmission(According to Volvo about 2% failure rate)

EBrinkly · Post by **EBrinkly** » 05 Sep 2013, 07:26

Jimmy57, I have the 6 speed manual. I really love driving it!

Post by **jimmy57** » 05 Sep 2013, 14:12

IVIUSTANG listed the issues. Really the angle gear is the only one unique to R's. The R engine power level and the given that more R drivers drive more agressively means more angle gear sleeve spline wear and failure.
Front suspension bushings, sway bar links, and the spring seat/shockabsorber isolator, and fuel pressure sensor failures affect all P2s. 2004 R and non turbo models were first with the fuel pressure sensor but in 2005 most others got that part and it fails with time on all.

eld4au6 · Post by **eld4au6** » 21 Sep 2013, 10:12

How do you fix the creaky popping seat?

Our 06' V70R drives me nuts with the drivers seat.

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 21 Sep 2013, 11:12

eld4au6 wrote:How do you fix the creaky popping seat?

Our 06' V70R drives me nuts with the drivers seat.

The WHIPS system is the culprit. The seat back and seat bottom are attached via a sliding slot, as the two items shift it creates metal on metal binding/releasing making the noise. The official Volvo fix is to install felt tape at either end of both slots to stop the noise. I'll see if I can find a couple pictures of what I mean.

Jesse