My odometer has stopped working a couple weeks ago. I had my front left axel changed by a mechanic around that time. Where is the connection for the odometer and how can I fix this so that the odometer works again?

Cheers,
Spioana

 

Very likely the gear may have broken- it's a very common problem. IPD and FCP Groton sell replacement gears, but IPD also sells an instructional DVD. Tech has posted and pinned 'how to remove your dash' which you'll need to do to access the speedometer. It will also be a good time to replace the burnt out lights in the dash.

 

As long as I'm ordering on FCPGroton, I wanted to get some front brake pads, and rotors, there are many different brands and such, I'm not sure which to buy. I have an 850T wagon. And does FCPGroton sell these bulbs?

 

You can get bulbs at radioshack. I believe they are 194 LEDs/Bulbs.

As to the front pads, go OEM. It's a bit spendy, but no squeals or w/e. I ordered Mintex ones, I haven't installed, but I am kind of regretting the purchase....

As to Rotors, get the Brembos if they have them.

I would also compare price w/ eEuroParts.

 

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850gearinstructions.htm
http://www.eeuroparts.com/home.aspx

Take out the old bulbs and compare at an auto parts shop such AutoZone. I believe the OEM bulbs are 3W but I replaced them with 5W and are a little brighter which I liked. Using 5W bulbs won't hurt anything and it's about the only option other than some $5 ea. OEM 3W at a dealer[8D]


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/5C397C3F53824871B34809C506C9E7E8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/70859EACC7F348A7AD1CAF9DB76C36BD.jpg[/IMG]

 

You won't regret Textar front pads(German OEM, or you could try more pricey pads such as ceramic but for the price I think Textars are great), not sure about the rear, I used Roulands Dan-Block OEM, which isn't available at FCP Groton. You may want to stay away from cheap ones. Out of the choice I'd probably go with Volvo or PBR. You want to stay away from metallic/semi-metallic pads on European cars, as the rotors cannot be resurfaced like you can with American/Japanese cars. The only problem with OEM pads is that they wear out at about 30,000 miles (which means they're doing a good job) and the front wheels get sooty quickly. One cure, which I do, is to wax the front wheels so that you can wipe them clean with damp/dry cloth very easily (damp cloth is better to avoid scratching).

As to rotors, Brembo is one of the OEMs and that's what I used. Next time I'll probably try Zimmermann cross-drilled or ATE, both are German.

Make sure to replace the brake fluid with DOT-4 grade, if it is more than 3 years old or you don't know when it was replaced the last time. Engine coolant & brake fluid are the 2 most neglected items.


JPN

 

Look at the top of this forum. I posted a thread on how to fix the oddometer. I just did it and give some warnings on what to look out for.

 

So what I gather from the comments... I'll buy the odometer gear for $25, and follow the sticky post on the 850 list.

As for brakes... I'll get...

DOT4 1 Liter $7.50 ATE fluid? I just need one bottle for both sides of the front?

271788BR Front Brake Rotor fits: 94-97 all 850 models $43.00 Brembo Picture, I'll get the brembo rotors, two of them for $86 USD total, and replace both the front wheel rotors. Do I need to get anything else with these? bolts or something.

And as for the front brake pads..I'm not sure which ones to get. I guess it's between Genuine volvo(30648381), Textar(087-1511T) and the ceramics(088-1511C), I really don't know the difference between any of these. I've never changed brake pads and rotors before, are the Genuine Volvos and Textars metalic? I do get some soot on the outside of my wheels, in the front. it turns the light grey color to dark grey/blackish, and I have to clean them every so often. Is this caused by metalic brake pads? I guess I'm just not sure what the different is between these brake pads, and what advantages they each have.

 

I use nothing except OEM pads for my Volvos. I have had terrible luck with anything else. I prefer dirty wheels to squealing brakes, and everything else I have tried has squealed. I have bought them from fcpgroton. I do use brembo rotors. When you buy OEM rotors they give you new bolts to hold on the calipers, and I don't think Brembo gives you these bolts. You might want to get them too, but I don't think it's really necessary.

 

For brake fluid, go to Autozone and pick up some Vavoline synthetic. It's a giant bottle and it meets Dot4 requirements. The brake lines are tiny and do not need much fluid.

Having 2 rotors should be fine. You might want to get new hardware (springs/bolts or what not, I'm not sure what they offer). It's not necessary though...

As to the pads, I would say OEM. It's going to be more dusty, but it'll be most quiet. I would personally stay away from the metallics/semi metalics because I think the metal on metal is what causes some of the squealing.

Other things you will want is:
-Brake cleaner (you need to thoroughly spray the rotors and remove the coating).
-Brake lube/anti-squeal.

 

Another way to remove the coating is to use alcohol and some steel wool, or some fine grit sandpaper.