So I'm almost done fixing my car up. I've done the brakes, Struts and mounts, timing belt and I have to do the ATF and a tune up. I just wanted to confirm that when I brake the car shudders a bit. Is this cause the trans is having a hard time shifting down because the ATF is old or is there more to it? Any place to buy the ATF? Volvo dealer wants $24 a quart!

 

When you did the brakes did you replace the rotors and pads or pads only? Because your symptom is common with warped rotors. If the rotors are new then I would check with the front suspension, it could be something worn or loose.

One of the cheaper online retailers that I have seen for transmission fluid is AVlube That is the fluid that is recommended as a safe alternative. You can also check with the Toyota dealer (Toyota runs the same type of transmissions) for Type T-IV fluid. You won't find either fluid at auto parts stores.

BTW, what kind of struts did you go with? I am replacing mine in a week or two.

 

I'll agree with 01. It's probably just warped rotors. Oh, I'm curious in your choice for struts, too.

And thanks for that link 01. I priced some at O'reillys and even with a large fleet discount, they wanted $6/quart.

 

My struts (sachs) and mounts were bought from FCP, just regular oem. My old ones were in pretty bad shape. I have to check my rotors when I get home. Is there anyway i could do a visual or touch inspection? I looked at AVlube and they were selling it for $84 shipped but luckily i found it on ebay for $65 shipped far less than the $24/qt that volvo wants. Another question do the spark plug cables need to be replaced at the tune up? I'm thinking about getting the tune up package on fcp because it comes with the cabin filter and I drive on the 5 freeway from LA to northern california a lot and there is a large densely settled cattle ranch right there where the new filter could come in handy thanks for the help and advice!

 

Some shops will hook up a dial gauge to check for warped rotors. I am not sure if you will be able to spot it with just your eye but you can try. With the wheel off, rotate the rotor and look for deflection.

The S60 has a coil over plug design so the plug wires that you are thinking of are not on the car. Instead, we have coils feeding the spark directly to the plugs. No wires to replace for tune-ups.

Hope that helps. Thanks for the info. I'll have to remember to check the Bay when I buy more fluid.

 

So I don't think it is the rotors because I popped car into neutral before i came to a stop at the light and it came to a smooth stop.