jmoser
08-30-2004, 08:00 AM
Just installed the Volvo factory 2 inch (50 mm) receiver hitch on my 2001 XC wagon. Overall it was not too difficult, but if you are considering doing this yourself I offer the following advice:
- Do not attempt unless you are 'very' mechanically inclined and own a fairly complete set of tools including 6 point 1/2" drive metric sockets, large torque wrench, pop rivet tool, 10" nipper pliers, and torx bits.
- Hardest part of the job is removing the rivet holding the heat shield to the muffler/silencer bracket; 2nd hardest is reinstalling the heat shield using the replacement screw. Hint: Drill out the heat shield rivet and nip off the bumper rivets (exact opposite of the installation instructions.) When reinstalling the heat shield you do need to bash it in place with the large screwdriver and mallet, exactly as shown in the instructions. (This is the first time I have ever seen this useful method endorsed by a factory instruction manual, now I feel better having utilized it on all those other jobs over the years. I don't really know what other use there is for those huge screwdrivers I own except as a pry bar or giant punch, that's the only thing I ever use them for.)
- When reinstalling the bumper I had difficulty reconnecting the plastic antenna connector, but even disconnected the radio reception is fine. Make sure to align the connector with the hole in the metal body when reinstalling the bumper.
- When tightening / loosening the 4 bumper bolts from inside be careful not to drop the OEM extension nuts or your 13mm socket down into the irrecoverable dark canyon of death between the cargo area and the rear of the car.
- When cutting out the 'hole' in the bumper fascia don't worry about being too precise, after installation you will see that you have plenty of clearance and the cutout is totally invisible. Do not use a Sawzall (reciprocating saw) as suggested in the instructions, I used a Dremel tool with a 1" circular saw blade made for plastic/wood. You could use a small keyhole saw or coping saw too, you could even cut it out with a heavy duty utility knife if you had too.
In any case I have a factory 2" hitch installed for $175, plus the wife approves of its neat, subdued, but not quite invisible appearance. I am not using this for a trailer tow (bike rack and cargo platform) so I did not buy the wiring harness.
I will say that this hitch obviously changes [improves?] the rear end impact resistance, the bumper is a joke -flimsy piece of plastic, and the car body is just folded sheet metal. I guess the rear of the XC is designed as a 'crush zone,' with the hitch installed it will not 'accordian' in any more, the recent pictures posted on this forum clearly show how the impact force will be carried by the hitch member, they also illustrate how the roof supports the hitch load and how you will buckle it if you overload the hitch tongue weight.
Regards -
Jeff
- Do not attempt unless you are 'very' mechanically inclined and own a fairly complete set of tools including 6 point 1/2" drive metric sockets, large torque wrench, pop rivet tool, 10" nipper pliers, and torx bits.
- Hardest part of the job is removing the rivet holding the heat shield to the muffler/silencer bracket; 2nd hardest is reinstalling the heat shield using the replacement screw. Hint: Drill out the heat shield rivet and nip off the bumper rivets (exact opposite of the installation instructions.) When reinstalling the heat shield you do need to bash it in place with the large screwdriver and mallet, exactly as shown in the instructions. (This is the first time I have ever seen this useful method endorsed by a factory instruction manual, now I feel better having utilized it on all those other jobs over the years. I don't really know what other use there is for those huge screwdrivers I own except as a pry bar or giant punch, that's the only thing I ever use them for.)
- When reinstalling the bumper I had difficulty reconnecting the plastic antenna connector, but even disconnected the radio reception is fine. Make sure to align the connector with the hole in the metal body when reinstalling the bumper.
- When tightening / loosening the 4 bumper bolts from inside be careful not to drop the OEM extension nuts or your 13mm socket down into the irrecoverable dark canyon of death between the cargo area and the rear of the car.
- When cutting out the 'hole' in the bumper fascia don't worry about being too precise, after installation you will see that you have plenty of clearance and the cutout is totally invisible. Do not use a Sawzall (reciprocating saw) as suggested in the instructions, I used a Dremel tool with a 1" circular saw blade made for plastic/wood. You could use a small keyhole saw or coping saw too, you could even cut it out with a heavy duty utility knife if you had too.
In any case I have a factory 2" hitch installed for $175, plus the wife approves of its neat, subdued, but not quite invisible appearance. I am not using this for a trailer tow (bike rack and cargo platform) so I did not buy the wiring harness.
I will say that this hitch obviously changes [improves?] the rear end impact resistance, the bumper is a joke -flimsy piece of plastic, and the car body is just folded sheet metal. I guess the rear of the XC is designed as a 'crush zone,' with the hitch installed it will not 'accordian' in any more, the recent pictures posted on this forum clearly show how the impact force will be carried by the hitch member, they also illustrate how the roof supports the hitch load and how you will buckle it if you overload the hitch tongue weight.
Regards -
Jeff