Auto box / transfer box failing?.. break it to me gently.

[Squirtydog]

Hi guys,

OK so I'm prepared for the worst.

The car has not been used for around a month as I had the use of another. Started using it again around a week ago. Now I have problems...
1. Yesterday, noticed a deepish drone at around 40mph, both under load and when cruising.
2. Today, a high pitched very 'transmission sounding' whine on acceleration. Wasn't sure if I was imagining it earlier on but now definite.
3. Deepish drone now louder and comes in at 30 to 40mph.

Box still shifting as it should. Has had an intermittent tendency to flare changing from 3rd to 4th but not noticed it recently (put this down to needing a software update).

Possibly noticing a more pronounced 'clonk' on and off the throttle at low speeds and when shifting between drive and reverse.

Last service comment noted 'slight oil residue around front of gear box'.

So, break it to me gently... or just hit me with it. How much overtime do I need to book?

Cheers,
Ian

(53 plate V70R GT)

[jdavis]

It may have shift flare b4 servo issue if its geartronic.
Has it had a fluid flush through?

[Squirtydog]

No flush as yet.
Neither of the two garages I use have been willing to touch the transmission. The transmission specialist I was referred to didn't seem to sound like he knew what he was doing... and neither do I so I haven't tackled it myself yet. Beginning to wish I had given it a go.

[Harvey]

Good chance the clunk will loose drive shaft bolts ,just remove the centre caps ( with the volvo badge on them) on the front wheels and you will find a bolt head there just try to do it up they do come loose,when volvo do a service they will check these.
Sorry to hear about the other things.

[M-R-P]

as Harvey said, the clunk will most likely be the hub bolts.

now might be the time to flush the box, update the software and palm the car off to a dealer for something with less complicated transmission.

[Squirtydog]

now might be the time to flush the box, update the software and palm the car off to a dealer for something with less complicated transmission.

...maybe so. Quite a short forray into R ownership in that case. If I get rid then I might use the money as a deposit on something new for the first time ever, sit back with a lease deal and relax about maintenance costs.

I've always bought older cars with the theory that someone else has taken the hit on the depreciation. However, maintenance costs can be significant.

For example...
We recently went to volvo to look at a new V40 D2 as a daily driver. £300 deposit and £300 per month for the R design, servicing included for 3 years. Zero tax, insurance cheaper than the S60 2.0T we have now. Also, at 60mpg and estimating 10k miles per year it would be about £100 per month cheaper in fuel. SO, went home and looked back on 7 years of bills for the S60. I recon that including insurance, tax, initial cost (£7000), residual value of about £500, maintenance and servicing - it has cost me around £175 per month average. So taking into account the fuel savings I may as well do the HP thing - something I've generally regarded as a rip off.

[Al115]

Pros - you get a new car for the money. Cons - you have to drive a gutless D2. Hmm.

[silverhorse]

The D3 on the other hand............. what an engine!

[Squirtydog]

The D3 on the other hand............. what an engine!

not sure if there is a tongue in a cheek?

[silverhorse]

not sure if there is a tongue in a cheek?

Have you driven one? I had a C30 D3 as a courtesy car from Volvo. I scared myself when I booted it for the first time!!! They had a beautiful V40 R Design D3 there. How much for one of those on contract? Worth an extra few quid in my view.

[Squirtydog]

Have you driven one? I had a C30 D3 as a courtesy car from Volvo. I scared myself when I booted it for the first time!!! They had a beautiful V40 R Design D3 there. How much for one of those on contract? Worth an extra few quid in my view.

Excellent. D2 was gutless. There is a significant chance we will find ourselves back down the dealer before Christmas.

It's early days as I don't really know the issue with the R but I recon we all have a good idea and it aint going to be cheap. For me, one big failure like this on a relatively old car and I'm out.

May have to try a V60 D3 as if the R goes we'll need a car with a bit more space.

[silverhorse]

May have to try a V60 D3

Really like the shape of this car. Never driven one, but they look lovely. The D3 engine is a 5 pot and has masses of torque. Not looked at official figures, but I would guess more than your R!!

[M-R-P]

I was chatting to the owner of a brand-spanky S60 in gay gold...

"don't buy one"

"Why?"

"I bought a spare wheel as it only came with 2 cans of goo and look...."

He opened his boot to reveal an 18" ixion alloy in a cloth - zipped bag, taking up most of the boot! There's no spare wheel well in them! Very un-Volvo like.

[Squirtydog]

Not looked at official figures, but I would guess more than your R!!

...double!

wonder if the V60 has a spare wheel where the S doesn't?
Does seem unusual.

EDIT: Just checked. It doesn't.

[silverhorse]

I was chatting to the owner of a brand-spanky S60 in gay gold...

LOL, is that the official Volvo colour name!!! S60 Gay Gold Gaytronic

[jdavis]

Really like the current range of volvo cars. Looking forward to 8 years time when I can actually afford one lol

[LiamT4]

Really like the shape of this car. Never driven one, but they look lovely. The D3 engine is a 5 pot and has masses of torque. Not looked at official figures, but I would guess more than your R!!

Nope, about the same as a 5spd gaytronic R, but less than a manual R.

[Harvey]

Here's some numbers to think on !.

[jdavis]

Looking at that, D5 manual is the way to go

[y2blade]

Looking at that, D5 manual is the way to go

I agree.
If Ian is definitely going diesel it's the only real option..."SE LUX" looks good.
All the kit of the R-Design without the ride ruining 18" wheels.


Happy Shopping Ian.