Replaced Leaking OEM Trans Cooler Volvo XC90

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Apr 22, 2005
Messages
518
Location
Chadds Ford
I recently purchased an 06 Volvo XC90 2.5t with 86k on the clock. I didn't notice the slight transmission fluid leak until several days after I got it home. The trans cooler was weeping at a seem. One Indy shop quoted $860 to replace it. Another $660 and the local dealership about $960. The dealership provides a 3k or 90 day powe train warranty. Is the trans cooler considered part of the power train?

I found a solid used one on eBay for $95. New 0'rings and lock clips were an additional $40 delivered from FCP.
I pulled the steel front skid plate with my trusty new Harbor Freight 1/2" electric impact wrench. It took some effort to disconnect the cooler lines at the cooler because of corrosion. In fact I ended up having to cut a 6" section of one of the lines to remove and replace. I repaired it with hose clamps and a length of heater hose as a temporary measure as that's all they had at Pep Boys at the time. I will replace the heater hose at the next oil change(5000 miles or Nov. 1)with trans. cooler line.
Will the heater hose last that lo
ng?
Oh, and what [censored] on Volvos part for a so-called lifetime trans. Fluid. I did a drain and fill...pretty darn brown at 88k!!
3.5 qts. Of Toyota T-IV for $25 is money well spent. I will do successive drain and fills on the transmission for the next 2-3 oil changes. The XC90 runs and looks like new and zero leaks of any kind. Did anOC with 5w30 Quaker State Ultimate Durability full synthetic and a Mann filter while I was at it.
 
Last edited:
Heater hose wont hold up for more than a few days if there is any pressure.

See if you can get fuel line.

We run fuel line instead of hydraulic hoses on our wood splitter, years of trouble free use.

But, seeing as how it is on a car... fuel line for a temp fix until you get the right one. Sooner rather than later.

Wouod you be willing to post a pic of the trans cooler? Our vehicles use a very similar transmission or identical trans for some years and Im trying to find one.
 
Originally Posted By: cknight49090
I wouldn't trust that heater hose its an accident waiting to happen.But good job I see the stealership was trying to rob you.



So were the Indy guys too! The heater hose will get changed next week. NAPA has the correct size trans cooler hose for about $3/ft. I'm going to get it now. The heater hose will de ok for our trip to the beach house for the weekend. I oiled all the skid plate to sub frame bolts and threads so getting the skid plate back down won't be a hassle. I'm thinking about doing another drain and fill of the transmission while I have it on the ramps to replace the heater hose.
 
Another D&F would be a good idea for that trans.

The cooler was installed on the XC-90, the XC-70, with the same trans, didn't get it...and suffered as a result. The parts aren't cheap at all, no matter where you get them. I considered a retrofit once, but balked at the several hundred $$...

If you've not discovered FCP Euro, take a look on their site. Usually excellent prices for Volvo parts...Erie Vovo carries a great selection of used parts...my Volvos have quite a few Erie Vovo sourced parts...
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
Heater hose wont hold up for more than a few days if there is any pressure.

See if you can get fuel line.

We run fuel line instead of hydraulic hoses on our wood splitter, years of trouble free use.

But, seeing as how it is on a car... fuel line for a temp fix until you get the right one. Sooner rather than later.

Wouod you be willing to post a pic of the trans cooler? Our vehicles use a very similar transmission or identical trans for some years and Im trying to find one.


I took some pics of the bad one...in the trash barrel and the replacement one in place before I buttoned it up. Truth be told, I don't see why an aftermarket one of similar size wouldn't work: [url=Ihttp://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts/PartDetails.aspx?Id=NDP8275508_0160302131][url=Ihttp://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts/PartDetails.aspx?Id=NDP8275508_0160302131]Ihttp://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts/PartDetails.aspx?Id=NDP8275508_0160302131[/url][/url]

I'm leaving the heater hose in for the weekend and replacing it with trans cooler hose from NAPA on Monday or Tuesday. They have the right size for about $3/ft. Only need 1/2 that. I'll try and post pics later.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Astro14
Another D&F would be a good idea for that trans.

The cooler was installed on the XC-90, the XC-70, with the same trans, didn't get it...and suffered as a result. The parts aren't cheap at all, no matter where you get them. I considered a retrofit once, but balked at the several hundred $$...

If you've not discovered FCP Euro, take a look on their site. Usually excellent prices for Volvo parts...Erie Vovo carries a great selection of used parts...my Volvos have quite a few Erie Vovo sourced parts...


Hey Astro,
I got the exact replacement cooler from eBay. Came off an 04 Xc90... It was$95 delivered.
I got the Orings and retainer clips along with some crush washers and Mann filters from FCPEuro. I just swapped out the heater hose for fuel line hose and buttoned it up. Mission accomplished. I'll do another D&F in the Fall,and another in the Winter. The access to the dipstick/fill tube is just stupid.
 
Originally Posted By: SuzukiGoat
Heater hose wont hold up for more than a few days if there is any pressure.

See if you can get fuel line.

We run fuel line instead of hydraulic hoses on our wood splitter, years of trouble free use.

But, seeing as how it is on a car... fuel line for a temp fix until you get the right one. Sooner rather than later.

Wouod you be willing to post a pic of the trans cooler? Our vehicles use a very similar transmission or identical trans for some years and Im trying to find one.

Thanks SG...I just swapped out the heater hose with fuel line hose and stainless hose clamps. Cleaned it all up, added a few ounces of transmission fluid for what was lost when I took off the heater hose and it's good as new!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom