2008 V70. Dealer says need a "read unit"

[dcambria]

I have a 2008 V70 with approx 148k - engine has been making a high pitched noise for many months. Last service dealer states it needs a "read unit" (part of the timing system?) and possibly a short block!
Any insight to this ? Dealer cost would be $6,500 + , and Ive already have put over $2500 into it over the past 6 months - been looking for a non-dealer approved repair shop to do it cheaper. It just sounds like a big job - is it time to move on?

[jimmy57]

Their estimate seems $3000 high. The transmission has to be removed and then they take the chain drive case off rear of head and then remove the READ (rear engine ancillary drive) case.
Then special tools and heat is used to get all the old components out. The intermediate gear is replaced and another shaft and bearing. Then it is all put back together. It is not unwise to remove cyl head top and reseal it with the rear chain case off as that has to come off to do the head reseal. The head reseal should only be $250 extra while doing the READ repair. The READ has a repair kit that includes all that is needed except gaskets and sealers. The intermediate shaft and gear uses a ball bearing unit instead of the original double tapered bearing.

The indy shop would have to be a serious Volvo shop to have the needed tools. Some of the tools are unique and notjhing will substitute for the Volvo tools. There is a gear that gets unscrewed at a torque just under 300 ft-lbs. The gear does not have a hex so it is unscrewed with a special tool.

[oragex]

Is the noise present when the car is at rest? By looking under the hood you may determine from what area is coming.

The pitching noise was related in the past to the pcv system although for the 2008 year model is expected to have been fixed. Also have a look at the power steering fluid level.

[jimmy57]

Look at my reply. READ is a mechanical part of the engine. Only the 3.2 non turbo (2007->) and 3.0 turbo (2008->) have this.