XC90: Swirl actuator control

[PaulDummer]

The last service on my XC90 flagged up a fault code for the swirl actuator control that has a rod broken and leaking oil. There is no impact on performance. The repair will cost over £1000. Is it an essential fix or can I carry on driving without getting it repaired?

[v_forty]

If it's just the rod, you can replace these easily and for not much money, although if the connecting link on the arm itself is worn you may find it comes off again.

As long as it's not leaking a lot of oil you should be fine.

[PaulDummer]

Thanks for the advice. The Health Check Report says the rod is broken and leaking oil - but the replacement will cost over £1000 as it is tricky to reach and get access to - allegedly! I am tempted to leave it and wait until my next service in 9 months - since there is no impact on performance and no obvious trail of oil. Are there any adverse consequences of leaving it?

[vickyg]

I lived with this 3-4 years. You can first replace the arm yourself, I did this twice as they're only a tenner. Then I ended up pinning mine on as the ball was too worn. This year I had to pay the repair bill as it was leaking 1.5 litres in 750 miles. Mine didn't drip on the floor either as it only leaked under load (on the move)

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by PaulDummer

Thanks for the advice. The Health Check Report says the rod is broken and leaking oil - but the replacement will cost over £1000 as it is tricky to reach and get access to - allegedly! I am tempted to leave it and wait until my next service in 9 months - since there is no impact on performance and no obvious trail of oil. Are there any adverse consequences of leaving it?

They're quoting £1,000 likely because they'll replace the whole swirl flap assembly, not just the connecting rod. That's quite a big job to do that, hence the cost.

So long as the swirl flaps are still working (there's no error codes) and performance is fine, you should be able to put a new rod on it. I suspect the old one fell off because the ball socket end of the rod was worn. When you replace it, you need to find a way to keep it held on (tying wire works).

The downsides of not having the rod connected is increased fuel economy and the engine can be rough/unsteady at idle. Its not the end of the world to leave the rod off, but all the same, it should be working and operational.

[PaulDummer]

Thanks for the advice from everyone. Tempted to leave it for now!