My 850 has a manual transmission. When I let up on the clutch in first gear, the front of the car "shudders" for a few seconds until the RPM's build. If I increase the RPM's and let up on the clutch, no shudder? Motor mounts are new as are the tires. Could my clutch be wearing out? Maybe something else?

 

Either the clutch disc is misaligned or its friction surface/flywheel surface is uneven. The original clutch assembly seems to be reaching its service life, so if you've never had the clutch done, it may be time for a new unit. Expect this to be an expensive repair. The best route would be to buy OEM parts on-line (FCP Groton, our official sponsor, is a great source) and have an independent shop specialising in Euro makes do the job for you. They may charge you extra for not buying parts from them, but Volvos hate being treated with non-OEM parts.


JPN

 

I have been driving manual trans cars for over 25 years and have driven this one since I bought it new in 1996.

 

Then do your clutch, get your flywheel resurfaced and do the throwout bearing. Seeing as your in the US, your car isn't a turbo so no point in doing an upgraded clutch like an R clutch. Doing the job is pretty easy to do yourself if you don't want a shop charging you a grand to do it. Pull the axles, drop the driver side subframe, remove trans, change parts, put back together.

 

I have this problem too and it has nothing to do with my driving it has to do with the mechanics... Clutch is just very old with lots of miles and the pressure plate is in bad shape. Still works though so I'm leaving it till fail.