Hi All,
Not to gloat but, our XC70 just had a major service and is running better than ever. This was all completed by my nephew at his new garage in Bethel, CT for a fraction of what the dealer would have charged. It all started when the turbo started making the dreaded "dentist's drill" sound. Here's the run down

· Smoke Test engine for vacuum leaks. Found and repaired two large vacuum leaks. $53.

· Engine Flush and oil change. Liqui Moly Pro-Line Engine Flush LM2037. 6 quarts Liqui Moly Full Synthetic motor oil 5W-30. Includes checking oil pan and oil pump pickup with boroscope to ensure no blockages. $103.

· Replace turbo with used unit from Erie Vo-Vo parted out from a 2006 Volvo S60 with 41K miles on it. New oil lines, gaskets, coolant hoses. New coolant/antifreeze. Inspection of old unit evidenced worn bearings – not uncommon for a turbo with 175K miles. $876 total vs $3,200 quote from stealership (incl parts). Barely used turbo cost me $175 vs. $1,400 new at dealer.

· Replace PCV. Replace PCV plumbing and breather box. Ports into engine block completely plugged. $440 vs $1,200 quote from stealership.

· Rebuild Front Suspension. Replace front strut assemblies due to knocking in mounts (FCP Euro Strut Kit - Sachs KIT-529587 incl struts, springs, strut mounts/bearings and HD spring seat from XC90), replace lower control arms and front sway bar links. $1,183 vs $2,550 quote from stealership.

· Repair exhaust flange. $80

I also DIY'd new spark plugs and ignition coils last fall. She's running like a champ and ready for another 175K miles. Now all I need to do is treat the plastic trim (Forever Black?), clean/paint the wheels and get some paintless dent repair done and she'll look good as new.

Thanks for listening. I'm just a huge fan of these cars and keeping them on the road. My prior car was a 2003 V70 with AWD. It was in pristine condition with 125K miles until a teenage driver t-boned it and the insurance company totaled it out...tragic!

Bob

 

thumbs up to the new garage in Bethel. I may have to swing by :-) I'm waiting for some warmer weather to help my son fix a small evap leak on his S40...