Can anyone please recommend a good tool kit and manual to carry around in my car? I don't want to carry around too many tools, but I don't want to want be missing any critical tools either. I have no idea which repair manual to buy either. Thanks!

 

Hi Squiggy,

Please note that this is solely my personal view & contains much prejudice. Compare with other members' opinions to judge which tools you would need.

Though it may be a bit pricey, I would go with Sears Craftsman tools because you will not regret it. They are good quality tools and come with lifetime warranty. If your tool breaks on you, you simply take it to a Sears and they'll give you a new one, no question asked. Most Craftsman tools are also made in the USA, with the exception of a few that are made elsewhere.

Here's what I would carry around:

- A set of screwdrivers, Phillips & flat blades. 3 size each would suffice.
- 1/4" + 3/8" + 1/2" drive sockets, 6-point (I would stay away from 12-point). 10mm to 22mm would do most servicing. The largest I ever used was a 36mm socket for the hub nut. You can get away with 3/8" drive sets only, as long as you buy adapters.
- Extension bars & breaker bars & universal joints for each size, if you can afford them.
- Torx sockets or bits are a must to work on Volvos. If you can afford an interchangeable ratcheting screw driver (which I highly recommend), you do not have to buy a set of screwdrivers.
- A set of combination wrenches, but often you can get away with sockets.
- Tyre pressure gauge. I would go with dial-type, rather than stick-out type.
- A pair of pliers. Different sizes & shapes are nice to have
- Locking pliers/Vise grip (not a must but nice to have).
- Spark plug socket (only if you plan to do the plugs by yourself).
- A set of Hex (Allen) wrenches.
- Digital multimeter (a Craftsman meter, $20-$30, is all you need).
- Flashlight.
- Inspection mirror, approx 2" diameter.
- Duct tape & WD40 & PB Blaster (of course).
- Shop towels & Nitrile gloves.
- Common sense for safety.

In addition to tools, I would carry 2 quarts of engine oil & pre-mixed 50:50 coolant (I would not buy a ready-mix solution because it is a rip-off. I would buy 100% concentration and make my own 50:50 solution with distilled water).

As for a manual, I would go with Haynes (approx. $14-$17). Haynes may not have all info, in which case you ask here and people can help you or I can post factory manuals for certain procedures.

My list is a bit overboard, so again hear a few more opinions before spending $ on tools.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Thanks!!! I will print out your list and hit Sears.

 

Wow you are going to carry all of that? I agree with Sears tools, but I just carry a cheap set in a nice carrying box with me in my car. I have most everything JPN mentioned in my garage, but not with me in my car. Pair of pliers, philipps head and regular screwdriver and a hammer is all I should ever need in my car. Along with a membership to AAA of course. Tow the sucker home and I'll fix it there.

 

Haynes manual for sure.

 

I would say that a decent torx set should be kept in the car as well.

 

I carry my leatherman and a quart of oil and that's it.

If I had to suggest some tools I would say a few sockets in the 10-13mm range a few torx bits and that's about it.
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Cast iron pipes make great breaker bars. Just slip them over your ratchet. I used a 2"x24" cast iron pipe to help remove my caliper bolts - worked like a charm. Cost about $5 at Lowes vs. Sears $30+.

 

For european cars, you want a good Torx set.

 

Info2x's suggestionwouldprobably suffice to carry in the car, then you can have other tools in a box in your garage.

As to Torx sockets, I forgot to mention that Lisle sells a great set of direct-fit Torx sockets for $25-$30. I got them at Craftsman shop and they directly fit on your ratchet.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=359


JPN

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is there really no better service manual that the haynes? i used haynes manuals on other cars and there terrible. i am looking for a good factory manuals. i know robert bentley makes other european makes service manuals not sure about volvo thou.

 

https://www.volvotechinfo.com/index....m.serviceparts is for the factory manuals
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4 grand for the complete manual thats more than the cars worth

 

You don't need the complete set. I have a few of them, tranny, brakes, seat, wiring diagrams, interior, and climate control

edit: I was spoiled since my 240 has a complete set.
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I know what you mean about the Haynes. They are horrible for VW's. The Haynes Volvo edition is actually pretty good IMO.

 

ihave the haynes for my 87 jetta and 87 vanagon and they were teribble. i hope they do a better job on the 850 manual

 

Volvotech info used to selleach manual separately until very recently,but now they bundle them in a few thousand $ pack[8D].

Haynes version is OK but seems to cover only 60-70% of what you want to know. But Chilton seems even worse so what can I say?


JPN

 

What about this manual here: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/cha...pic.php?t=8018

 

Looks like you can still purchase them individually.