Hi Everyone,

I have to replace the radiator in my S80. I was quoted an estimate of $875 to replace the radiator and thermostat assembly. Does the sound reasonable and is something i could possibly tackle myself? Thanks in advance for any replies

 

I recently replaced the radiator on my 01 Volvo s80 and it was a bit of a hassle but you can get it done in about 1 day (taking your time.) You definitely need a buddy to help you out, it goes by faster too.

Take off the bottom plastic cover, drain the radiator from the bottom hose. It'll take a few minutes to drain out. Disconnect every hose and cable connected to it. You'll have to disconnect the fan/fan shroud and remove the fan.

The tricky thing is the hoses and wiring get in the way of EVERYTHING and make it a pain in the a** to take off easily. Another tricky thing is the radiator has to be pushed down and then pulled up and out. (doesn't just slide out) Putting the new radiator is a bit tricky too and will surely have to crawl underneath the car while a buddy holds the new radiator and you line everything up.

Take your time, make sure you have all the right tools, grab a buddy, a few beers and youll get it done with minimum stress.

I bought my radiator in Rancho Cordova Volvo dismantlers (just google them) for $125 they are used but are guaranteed to work (you won't get a trashed radiator or garbage.) They also ship to wherever you are or if you are in the Sacramento area just pick it up. The coolant was like 8 bucks at Kragen. Total I spent: $133

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area send me a PM and I'll gladly give you a hand

Good Luck!

 

Man thanks soo much for the reply. Do you have any information on what tools you used or if you used a repair manual?

 

I used the 10mm socket for almost everything. Also, a flat blade screwdriver to disconnect the hoses. A pan to collect radiator fluid. I don't remember which size socket the fan shroud screws were (probably 10mm.) I have medium sized tool kit and I had everything I needed in the box.

 

The transmission fluid hoses appear to be pressed in rather than threaded
into the plastic side tanks. Is there a special tool to remove the hoses ?

The tank has a "collar" that extends over the connector fitting....so I can't see the nut or threads -- if they are there....therefore I assume they are pressed in ? How to remove those ? !

Thanks,

Paul -

 

The hoses are held in by plastic green clips. Just pinch them and the hoses will pull right out. It is very easy to break the clips. My radiator came with new ones. Good thing too. Not a bad idea to replace the o-rings on the hoses as well.

 

One more note. You *can* get them out without breaking the clips. You just have to be very careful.

 

I know I'm like 6 years late to this thread but same exact thing is going on with my 01 s80 - needs new radiator and cost is $800 - did you end up replacing yourself? Was it hard?

 

I replaced mine in an 01 S80 a few years ago and it still works fine. The job is not too bad. Just be glad its not the heater core. You have to remove the steering wheel, airbag, everything in the steering column, to get that out and back in.

 

Huh?? Heater core is a piece of cake. Remove lower dash panel, brake light switch, 2 screws and 2 pipe clips. Took me about an hour. Robert has this video:

 

I suppose you can risk damaging the heater core by forcing it past the steering column. I followed the factory repair manual (thanks alldatadiy.com) and they have you remove the steering. Its a pain but you can get the core in without damaging it.