Help making a comprehensive S/V40 buying guide

[atnas666]

Originally Posted by Robmac999

Sorry Gatos, just occurred to me. As well as checking oil filler cap and header tank, check the dipstick for emulsified oil as this might indicate blocked pcv.
Only other thing (being really picky) is specific!
Really sorry about that after all the hard work you've put into it.

And may be pic of where the PCV is. As i dont have clue lol.. so doubt a lot other people would

[dcw]

Excellent work Gatos!

That is really comprehensive: can't currently think of anything useful to add...

David

[pphilpot]

Reading a new post by MECLAYPO, I just remembered the Dual Mass Flywheel problem that Volvo2002 had...

[phil_r]

Great idea gatos!

Few ideas;

- check engine gets up to the correct temp after a few miles of driving, 3 o'clock position
- checks on front suspension when stationary. I try to check the front suspension by grabbing the wheel and pushing/ pulling on either side to check for any play.
- on petrol cars lift the oil cap when the engine is running and see if there is suction or a blowing force. Should be suction otherwise PCV may be blcoked.
- check for uneven tyre wear front and back
- headlamp wipers, a common failure although not that important!


phil

[GaryS40]

Looking good so far, Alex.

Seems pretty comprehensive to me, mate.

Gary

[Alex121]

I don't think this has been mentioned, but maybe mention about checking if the suspension bushes on the rear have been done and also the brakes flexi hoses as they seem common on cars around the 100k mile ish mark. I know if the bushes on the rear have seized they can be a b*gger to get out like mine were and can cost in labour


Not Volvo specific but maybe tread on tyres as a really obvious one, people forget...

EDIT: Exhaust manifold on the turbo models? I've read on a few forums + mine and my dads is blowing a bit, T4Rick replaced his too.

[ciaranr]

Being devil's advocate, a lot of X40 airbags will be coming due for a change (10 years or so). I've read elsewhere that there really is no need to change these, that they will last for much much longer than 10 years, but does anyone have an opinion on this?

Excellent work by the way!

[stephend]

Originally Posted by ciaranr

Being devil's advocate, a lot of X40 airbags will be coming due for a change (10 years or so). I've read elsewhere that there really is no need to change these, that they will last for much much longer than 10 years, but does anyone have an opinion on this?

Excellent work by the way!

I can't give you the link, but somebody posted on here that Volvo reversed themselves, and decreed that 10 years was no longer the limit of the airbags' life. Phew!

[gatos]

Originally Posted by atnas666

And may be pic of where the PCV is. As i dont have clue lol.. so doubt a lot other people would

I am trying to avoid having images, as it is going to complicate things a lot. The aim of this guide is for people to spot obvious problems. Assuming they are interested in something particular, they can search or ask here.

Originally Posted by Robmac999

Sorry Gatos, just occurred to me. As well as checking oil filler cap and header tank, check the dipstick for emulsified oil as this might indicate blocked pcv.
Only other thing (being really picky) is specific!
Really sorry about that after all the hard work you've put into it.

Added

Originally Posted by phil_r

Great idea gatos!

Few ideas;

- check engine gets up to the correct temp after a few miles of driving, 3 o'clock position
- checks on front suspension when stationary. I try to check the front suspension by grabbing the wheel and pushing/ pulling on either side to check for any play.
- on petrol cars lift the oil cap when the engine is running and see if there is suction or a blowing force. Should be suction otherwise PCV may be blcoked.
- check for uneven tyre wear front and back
- headlamp wipers, a common failure although not that important!


phil

Added

Originally Posted by Alex121

I don't think this has been mentioned, but maybe mention about checking if the suspension bushes on the rear have been done and also the brakes flexi hoses as they seem common on cars around the 100k mile ish mark. I know if the bushes on the rear have seized they can be a b*gger to get out like mine were and can cost in labour


Not Volvo specific but maybe tread on tyres as a really obvious one, people forget...

EDIT: Exhaust manifold on the turbo models? I've read on a few forums + mine and my dads is blowing a bit, T4Rick replaced his too.

Quite hard to inspect bushes and requires the removal of the tyres etc. 99% of the people would not go that far. Hopefully, they may notice a problem while driving the car.

Exhaust manifold added...

Originally Posted by ciaranr

Being devil's advocate, a lot of X40 airbags will be coming due for a change (10 years or so). I've read elsewhere that there really is no need to change these, that they will last for much much longer than 10 years, but does anyone have an opinion on this?

Excellent work by the way!

It was 10 years originally, the extended to 15 years and eventually they extended it to the lifetime of the car

[Alex121]

Quite hard to inspect bushes and requires the removal of the tyres etc. 99% of the people would not go that far. Hopefully, they may notice a problem while driving the car.

Exhaust manifold added...

Hard to inspect yes, but doesn't hurt to ask the current owner if it's been done just for a bit more piece of mind

Great guide btw.

Cheers