Swirl flap problems

[p.j.]

My XC90 2010 has been constantly throwing up a MAF sensor issue, as well as engine system service required.
On checking the MAF live data, it seemed to be keeping step, leading me to look else where for problems.
On checking the swirl flaps I can see it disconnected at the rail end, still attached at the motor. There is oil leaking around the swirl flap connection point, the flap is rocking back and forth with no resistance.
This is surprising as the whole lot was changed when the car was 3 year old in the main dealer.
I'm thinking the whole lot needs changing again, I did think about reattaching, but wonder if there is little point with the oil leak, and the way that the arm is flapping about. Going to ring FRF for a price for the whole lot - flaps, gaskets, injector pipes etc.

[XJSDriver]

I wouldn't worry about the small oil leakage - they all do it; mine has been leaking since I got it at 3 years old and every so often I spray the area with some carb cleaner and dry it off.

There are kits including Volvo OE (interestingly!) which you can buy to secure the link arm back on to the ball socket so you can run with the same swirl flap for a while longer. Have you just tried putting it back on to see how long it lasts?

Mine has done 135K and still good but I will plan to renew at some point as wish to get under the top cover to clean out the carbon which must be there by now; I did clean out the EGR valve a year ago which was not too bad so I am in no rush to change the swirl flaps!

[V8XCV]

I would just replace the linkage first. The new style ones have the socket on both ends and seem to last a couple of years before wearing out. only £10 on ebay. Cheaper than the whole assembly!

[p.j.]

Thanks for replies. I have put it on, the ball is still on the swirl flap, but the arm just slides on and off. I could try a new arm, but the old one looks OK. I could try the Volvo repair kit, but not easy to drill in that position.
Currently thinking of ways to keep that arm on.

[Danielpsmith]

Mine was hanging off on one end and would just slide off, bought a new arm from Volvo about £8 I think and it was tight to clip back on but has stayed on so I would just buy a new arm.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by p.j.

Thanks for replies. I have put it on, the ball is still on the swirl flap, but the arm just slides on and off. I could try a new arm, but the old one looks OK. I could try the Volvo repair kit, but not easy to drill in that position.
Currently thinking of ways to keep that arm on.

I bought a new arm from Volvo, which was around £7 I think (I suggest you do the same). I noticed that the ball fitted tighter into the hole on the new arm, but it was loose in the old arm (hence why it fell off). Maybe the newer arm had a slightly smaller hole, allowing a more snug fit for the ball to fit into. The chap I spoke to on the phone in the parts department told me the arm he suggested was a "newer design".

As an extra measure, I tied some tying wire around the new arm to hold it in place even more.

*Note, Volvo call the arm a "Link Rod".

[p.j.]

Thanks chaps, new arm ordered, will update on progress.