So who twists their own wrenches?

**PlaysWithCars** · 01-27-2005, 10:29 AM

To satisfy my curiosity, how many of us actually work on our own XCs, either as a hobby or professionally?

Perhaps you will include in your response an estimate of your abilities? Taking a cue from ipd and the tech tips in their catalogs, let's use the following scale:
Level 1 - Basic (ex: I can change my own oil)
Level 2 - Intermediate (ex: I swapped the front upper spring perches using a spring compressor)
Level 3 - Advanced (ex: I swapped transmissions because the new case is polished, and I had some spare time)
Level 4 - Owner (Ex: I drive it, the attendant puts the gas into it)

On my current XC and 745t, I anticipate performing my own work up to Level 2. However I do everything on my other cars, including engine rebuilds and paint.

**tgrumaj** · 01-27-2005, 02:38 PM

I do put my own gas in it...and I've even changed the cabin pollen filter. I do put some fluids in but no oil filter changes...so I'm not sure what that makes me but it isn't a mechanic.

**just66horns** · 01-27-2005, 02:53 PM

I will do anything to save a grand!
I only back off with Automatic trannies and Painting

**oddie** · 02-03-2005, 09:58 PM

Ya I Definetly Do All My Own Twisting, I Have Fortunatly A Great Environment For It Which Includes Access To Many Of Volvos Tsb's Which Could Be A Big Help For Any Irregular Problems Posted. I Hope I Can Be Of Some Help In The Future.

**AWD*V70XC** · 02-07-2005, 08:37 AM

I do own it, but as far as getting under the hood is concerned I leave that to the pro's, I wish I could do the basics but.... well I am just too damn tired to even go there. (believe me it is not for the want of giving it a go but I have enough strings to my bow without becoming a mechanic as well)

**srs** · 02-07-2005, 09:35 PM

"With a good manual I will tackle almost anything short of engine disassembly. Unfortunately I have yet to find a decent manual for the v70xc. Any tips? What attracted me to Volvo 10 years ago was the servicability of the 240s (and a Bentley Manual). Volvo has gone backwards in this area, I had to give a VIN just to order a hood washer nozzle replacement. The new cars are very nice to drive however and the added horsepower almost makes up for their complexity.

**Whatsinaname920** · 03-11-2005, 10:34 AM

The dealer replaced the trans just because it's under warranty and I have no time, but I've done Major upgrades/swaps on other vehicles.

**Beiner** · 11-01-2005, 07:04 AM

I would be taking engines apart if I had a safe way of picking them out of the chassis. However, my creativity is generally lacking which is why I commune with guys like you. When room permits, I'll do major engine work and light auto trans work as well. In my small world of wrenches and a short garage, anything's possible if I have the right stuff.

**16Victor** · 12-01-2005, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by just66horns

I only back off with Automatic trannies and
Painting

What he said!

**RedXC** · 09-26-2006, 06:02 PM

I work at a Volvo repair garage. I tackle anything I know how to do, and learn new things that I don't know. I can figure out almost anything from years of training and experience.