240 General: More repairs to my GLT

[Mike_Brace]

Since I put my GLT back on the road in March it has covered about 24,000 miles. The big problem with covering so many miles is that things you did what seems only a few weeks ago need doing again.
A little earlier this year I started to have problems with a rear caliper sticking so decided it was time for the full monte on the back end. Recon calipers, new flexis, ATE discs and Volvo pads. Anyway a couple of weeks ago I found the brake reservoir wass nearly empty, so topped up and made a note to keep any eye on it and get it over the pit to check for leaks (possibility of pipe not fully tightened) and also to have a look at the shocks as the ride had become harsh over potholes.
The findings were that there was a leak from the brakes but it was from the multiblock on the bottom of the inner nearside wing. The rear o/s shock had burst as had the front o/s one but this due to the construction of the monotube meant it was hydraulicing and was solid without movement. The result was the strut top was taking a hammering and looked ready to disintegrate.
Time to bite the bullet - this was work that had been done about 100,000 miles ago. So ordered a pair of rear Bilsteins from Euro Car Parts costing just over £15 each + VAT. For the front I had found a pair of the monotube shocks on ebay just before I went on holiday - glad no-one else spotted them! So phone call to Volvo dealer for pair of strut tops, plugs, thermostat and wiper blades.
So Matt agrred to do all this for me today - but ended being asked to work - he agreed subject to being able to use the workshop after he'd finished all the work booked in. So he started with the struts - one shock didn't want to release the strut and proved to be a two person job in the vice. The brake lunction block was replaced with a secondhand one. One pipe had so little spare on it that it took almost an hour.
So that meant this evening it was time for plugs (it had a slight misfire) new blades - they were last replaced in March! Excellent value - the dealer worked an excellent deal on these - about £7 for the pair and the driver's one came complete with spoiler! The other job was time for a new thermostat - the heater wass no longer burning my feet!
The rear shocks will have to wait till tomorrow evening!
One thing is I find myself fitting more and more genuine parts not just for the better life but also believe it or not on price. Provided I can order on a stock order the discounts are good. The genuine belt comes delivered to me for less than say a Halfords belt - same goes for the drive belts.
If you are unable to get decent discounts on service items from Volvo perhaps I could help here providing they are not to heavy I reckon I could supply and post them below list price for may of them.
By the way - where has this year gone? It seems only a few weeks ago that I was busy doing the restoration on SKiP!

Mike

[honestjoe]

Hi mike ..i know what you mean about the year flying past!!..i was totally caught out by my mot this year..a costly mistake..is work ever completed on our 240"s...there"s so much to do on mine even after a huge refit for mot and a clean cert...the issue with your rigid shock caught my attention..the front offside rubber bush..(visible from open bonnet) has a tear in it around cap..cannot determine if its getting any worse..anything to worry about?..cheers...enjoyed reading your post..hj.

[Mike_Brace]

I take it you are refering to the strut top mounting bush. It will only be a failure if there is excessive movement. In reality it would be sensible to replace. My experience of Scantec ones is that they have failed to last me 12 months. The Volvo ones are more expensive (about £50 IIRC) but will last well.

Mike