My 2006/7 XC90 3.2 has over 170k on it with no transmission fluid change! :eek:

Hi guys, just to clarify, only an ATF change, not a complete change, YES, on a car of its age it would be madness.

I am hoping that giving the car to Hortons in Thame for the day, I at least can get a better understanding of what the issue is and move on from there.

They do endorse transmission fluid change, but I will obviously discuss this with them on the day and see what method the use.

I love driving this car, but it is just not quite right, drinking petrol for fun and just needs sorting out.

Oh' dear.:omg_smile:

I have changed my transmission fluid twice, at 110k and 160k. Both times the gearbox was noticeably smoother (at least I convinced myself it was!). Anyway, it is certainly a good idea, as you will see when you see the colour of the old fluid.
It is also a good DIY job and simple to do a full flush.

You would think so, but the transmission is faultless, and I was adivsed by a well respected indendent Volvo specialist not to bother unless I had some reason to suspect the fluid needed changing. It's meant to be 'sealed for life'. I'll probably change it at some point anyways, but as the chap was doing a lot of other work for me, and could easily have earned a few extra quid doing a fluid change, but recommended against it, I'm in no rush. The transmission in the 3.2 is good. :)

I am certainly hoping it is not the transmission, as that could be expensive. But I just want to get to the bottom of this noise.

I will update further post Monday's visit.

It's just a thought:
(indy - thinking) "What will earn me more money? A transmission flush now, or a new transmission in the next two years?"
(indi - saying) "Yeah, no need for a flush. See it would cost a few bucks for the flush, not necessary."

Hmmm... ;) Let me tell you one thing I know for sure, if someone tells me "lifetime", I'll stick with the german laws for murder, that says lifetime = 15 years... :D

OK, the mystery is now resolved.

The garage diagnosed a worn OSF wheel bearing and replaced it.

No more noises, fuel consumption is back up where it should be and I am a happy man.

The odd thing is that not only did it not sound like a worn wheel bearing, but it was the same one that was replaced about 3 years ago, so it had only lasted about 35k.

The garage did think it was not a Volvo OEM part, so not sure if the garage that did the work did not use a quality part.

Still, I now have my smooth running, 6 cyl 3.2 cruiser back in tip top condition.

I did speak to the owner at Hortons just outside Thame and he was a big advocate of the ATF change, and they don't seem too expensive. Hence, I think I will pencil it in for late July/early August.

You live and learn