VolvoTD Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 So i spent my morning and my local dealership looking to get my Exterior sunroof weather stripping replaced because it is totally off on the back part and my car has been soaked inside the last couple mornings. I went over to the dealership and was thinking it cant be more than $100 to replace some weather stripping, well i was way off! they wanted $230 dollars to replace it! Not only did they tell me that but they also took the liberty to figure out what eles that could fix on my car to get more $$ out of me. They found that my sway bar end links were loose and want to charge me $240 for them. They also wanted to replace my Timing belt for $590 . These prices caught me a little off gaurd. Could you tell me how hard is it to replace the sway bar end links, for some one who has never delt with suspension? Should i just let them fix it or can I a novice try it my self? Same for the Timing belt i have a little more experiance with engines but not with timing belts, is that deffenatly something a pro should do? My random questions also is how in the world does water get into the wheel well of the spare? They told me it was tottaly full of nasty water, how in the world? Thanks for the help fellas! much apperciatedJohnnyA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yangotang Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Could you tell me how hard is it to replace the sway bar end links, for some one who has never delt with suspension? Should i just let them fix it or can I a novice try it my self? Same for the Timing belt i have a little more experiance with engines but not with timing belts, is that deffenatly something a pro should do? ←The sway bar end links are pretty easy, they are only held in by two nuts. If you have access to a jack and have some method of removing your wheels, the process is very simple.Different people say different things about the timing belt. Some people think that it's really hard to perform the procedure, while others think it's easy (experience plays a big part). What I can suggest to you is that if you want help doing it yourself, you'd be best to pick up the iPd kit, because it includes a Cam locking tool as well as detailed instructions on DVD on how to change a timing belt.Either way, in my honest opinion, I think that a novice can perform both of the operations you stated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T5BRICK Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Different people say different things about the timing belt. Some people think that it's really hard to perform the procedure, while others think it's easy (experience plays a big part). What I can suggest to you is that if you want help doing it yourself, you'd be best to pick up the iPd kit, because it includes a Cam locking tool as well as detailed instructions on DVD on how to change a timing belt.Either way, in my honest opinion, I think that a novice can perform both of the operations you stated.←the timing belt takes time. it can take a lot of time actually. i spent 6 or 7 hours working on mine, but i double, triple and quadruple checked everything. it'll be much easier the second time around since i'll have experience on my side.on a side note, the IPD cam locking tool didn't fit on my car, so i'm not too sure how useful it really is.with the instructions provided in Bay13 and maybe a Haynes manual if you need it, you should be just fine doing the timing belt yourself. just take your time and be very careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PyROZen Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 endlinks aren't hard, jack up the car and undo 2 bolts on each side. Always order parts from FCP if you have time. I needed some spring seats ASAP yesterday and i had no choice but the dealership. Their price $56 each, FCP Groton price is $20/e and they're exactly the same! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsat Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Do the sway bar endlinks yourself. It is not a difficult procedure if you have the tools.Depending on where you buy, the part cost will be between $30 and $60. When I replaced mine I went with the Factory Volvo branded part from a dealer and they cost $30 each.The new endlinks are different than the originals. The originals required a box wrench to hold the link in place while you removed the nut.The new links do not have a place for the wrench and instead uses a Torx bit on the end that holds the bolt when you tighten the nut.While there is nothing complicated about chaning the timing belt it is a procedure that if done wrong can cause serious damage to the engine. Mine was changed prior to my ownership. I don't think I would pay $590 to change the timing belt. The $300 range sounds more reasonable for parts and labor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolvoTD Posted September 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Thanks For the Info guys! I ordered the IPD Timing Belt kit like yangotang said cause the DVD comes with it so thats a big help. I also got the end links from FCP for $15/each! Hopefully all goes well with the help of Bay13 as well i shouldnt go wrong. Anyone know how water gets into spare wheel well? Mine just some how happened to be full of water this morning? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimmy77 Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 So i spent my morning and my local dealership looking to get my Exterior sunroof weather stripping replaced because it is totally off on the back part and my car has been soaked inside the last couple mornings. I went over to the dealership and was thinking it cant be more than $100 to replace some weather stripping, well i was way off! they wanted $230 dollars to replace it! Not only did they tell me that but they also took the liberty to figure out what eles that could fix on my car to get more $$ out of me. They found that my sway bar end links were loose and want to charge me $240 for them. They also wanted to replace my Timing belt for $590 . These prices caught me a little off gaurd. Could you tell me how hard is it to replace the sway bar end links, for some one who has never delt with suspension? Should i just let them fix it or can I a novice try it my self? Same for the Timing belt i have a little more experiance with engines but not with timing belts, is that deffenatly something a pro should do? My random questions also is how in the world does water get into the wheel well of the spare? They told me it was tottaly full of nasty a** water, how in the world? Thanks for the help fellas! much apperciatedJohnnyA←come over to my place and I'll give you a hand with the sway bar links... I can also help out with the timing belt if you want... I've just done mine last month.. piece of cake! I'm up in CR off Hwy 10 and Foley. PM me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWagin Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 I think it is safe to say that the dealership charges a hefty fee for services many of us can do on our own. I would attempt most everything but ask for asistance with the belts for your safety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlvinL Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Regarding water in the spare wheel well and assuming you drive an 850. If you look at the trunk with it open, you'll see two drainage opening at the base of the rear windshield. They tend to get plugged up over time and water will seep into the trunk. Each drain is connected to a flexible plastic tube that snakes down side of the trunk. You may need to pull the tubes out to clear out any blockage. If there's another possiblity, someone please chime in. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolvoTD Posted September 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Cool thanks AlvinL I will have a look at those. Yea I am hopefully going to get help with the belt and end links from some one for sure, cause i dont want things to get worse then they already are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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