2004 S60 - Couple of issues

anon · Post by **anon** » 08 May 2017, 06:03

Okay, so I'm not trying to neglect the car but also trying to keep costs minimal since I plan on trading this in next year for a much newer S60 or XC70 depending on my needs at the time and choice. That being said, please keep in mind as I ask my questions.

1. I've got 95k on the clock. The timing belt visually looks great, I unfortunately don't have records for the car. I'm guessing I should replace this, yes? Is it a definite trip to Volvo or can I trust this to a reputable mechanic?
2. I've got (fairly new development) a clunk at times when stopping. I can feel it through the brake pedal somewhat too. Mavis, who I go to and have trusted for years, says they only see slight wear on the Control Arm bushings. I however, suspect the strut plate as previously, the car would make a banging noise at full turn that magically went away. Of course, I'm open to checking whatever is suggested.
3. Power steering fluid leaks at a very slow pace. I've put a decent amount of Lucas power steering fluid in to help slow it. The rack looks somewhat new, possibly it's leaking from the line at the rack from what I can tell. Looks very hard to get too as well, as I've tried. The reservoir also is seeping, I've seen articles about replacing that.

The car is being taken for a 6+ hour drive/trip for a week in late September. I want it to be in the best possible position for this (going to NH White Mountains) without breaking the bank. Again, any suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance for the responses.

Post by **JRL** » 08 May 2017, 06:24

Yes, fix it
T belt is due on all S60s through 2007 regardless of miles.

Clunks? Have someone look at ALL of the front suspension including the upper spring seats and check all three (3) major motor mounts.

PS should be obvious. Clean it off and see where the leak is coming from then fix it. It could be as simple as a loose or broken clamp or you may need a new line, can't know from your vague description

Post by **oragex** » 08 May 2017, 07:22

You can be sure the belt wasn't done, because most of these cars are sold at 95k miles just before the belt needs to be done.
You can buy either from Volvo belt, tensioner and roller, or from Ebay Gates kit. The water pump is not replaced at this moment.
Definitely don't let a random mechanic do this job and bring your own parts, don't let them put some random brand.

The clunk could be anything, ball joint or spring seat. The best advice is to search forums for the brands we use to replace these parts.

Are the lines that go into the steering rack rusted? If not, the line may simply not be properly secured or some dirt got inside and can't seal properly.

anon · Post by **anon** » 08 May 2017, 11:20

Thank you both for the replies, I know I was rather vague and it being hard to diagnose in person so far, probably even harder here. The lines look great, so maybe it is how it seated.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GATES-TCKWP331- ... r1&vxp=mtr

That's the one from what I've read, correct? Then I can just bring it anywhere reputable?

Post by **oragex** » 08 May 2017, 11:32

Most Volvo dealers advise not to replace the wp, as several after market pumps had failed very soon, while the original one is most of the times good up to 200k miles. Just a side note, it is good to have a look at the tensioner on your car, because there were two models available.

anon · Post by **anon** » 08 May 2017, 12:12

Hmm, is the tensioner easy to access/how do I identify it? I apologize as I haven't personally worked on this car much. I got somewhat involved in my S70 (2000) and was far more involved with my previous Pontiac.

Additionally, I'm reading that Gates TCK331 or TCK331a is the one for my car. I read a review of the 331 on Amazon almost ruining someone's engine cause of it being "the wrong tensioner" and someone else posting you need the 331a.