V70/S60 console squeaks

Discussion in 'Volvo S60' started by Armchair observer, Aug 16, 2005.

  1. Volvo, in its Scandinavian wisdom, seems to have selected interior
    plastics that make a horrible squeaking sound when they rub against
    each other. The center console in my 2002 V70 makes quite a racket
    going over bumps. Here are my questions:

    1. How do I get the center console apart?

    2. How should I treat the squeaky parts to silence them?
     
    Armchair observer, Aug 16, 2005
    #1
  2. Yes it's a bloody pain IMHO.
    Do you mean the tunnel console between the seats or the radio/ecc
    panel? If its the former then its very easy.

    If you release the pen holder at the base of the ecc panel you will
    see 4 torx screws. The outer two hold the front of the tunnel console
    in place. You also need to release the plastic panel around the gear
    stick sheath, but leave the sheath attached to the gear stick.

    Next pull up the hand brake surround (just give it a firm tug upwards)
    and pull the sheath over and off the hand brake removing it
    completely. Then at the rear of the console remove the ashtray/panel
    and disconnect the rear cig lighter socket. In the CD storage pocket
    under the armrest lift up the little rubber mat and undo the two torx
    screws.

    Finally release the panels on either side at the bottom that go
    forward to the foot air vents. Use a coin in the screw slot on each
    panel and turn it 90 degrees to release. Then pull the panels
    backwards to remove.

    Once you've done all that the entire tunnel console can be lifted up
    and carefully manouvered around the gear stick to get it out of the
    car.

    Then it's a case of soundproofing all the points where plastic meets
    plastic. For this you can use self-adhesive felt pads or similar.
    Some of the plastic panels appear to be almost spot-welded to each
    other. This means there are places where you can't get any material
    in between. In such cases you should give the gap a squirt of silicon
    spray. Very effective for stopping squeaks.

    Just recently I replaced my V70 tunnel console with one from an S60,
    because I much prefer the look of the S60 console. It's a straight
    swap as they share mount points etc. I found the S60 console to be
    assembled in a way that was much less conducive to squeaks. When
    installed it felt much more solid than the original V70 console.
    As I mentioned, if there's room some self-adhesive felt, otherwise
    silicon spray.

    HTH

    Andy
     
    Andy Cunningham, Aug 16, 2005
    #2
  3. Armchair observer

    Steve Guest

    Dont know
    Silicone spray with newspaper or something protecting parts you can see to
    prevent any discolorations
     
    Steve, Aug 17, 2005
    #3
  4. Thanks for the very detailed instructions. Unfortunately, I still need
    a few more details. Specifically, how does one "release" the pen
    holder, the panel around the gear shift, and the ashtray panel. I
    don't want to damage anything by forcing it to move in the wrong
    direction.

    Thanks again for your help.
    ..
     
    Armchair observer, Aug 17, 2005
    #4
  5. Get a small plastic knife or spatula and lever off one side of the pen
    holder. Once you've levered one side out a bit, get your finger
    behind it and then use your plastic knife to lever off the other side.
    You could use a flatblade screwdriver but you risk scratching the
    plastic.
    Just press on the quick release hooks at the front of the panel which
    become accessible once you've removed the pen holder.
    Again plastic knife in the top of the panel and lever it out. You can
    be fairly firm without breaking anything.

    HTH

    Andy
     
    Andy Cunningham, Aug 17, 2005
    #5
  6. Thanks a million for the advice, Andy. Volvo really makes it tough on
    owners to do simple maintenance by using so many different non-obvious
    methods for assembling the interior. How did you learn these
    disassembly tricks? Can you recommend any affordable repair manuals
    for the V70?
     
    Armchair observer, Aug 17, 2005
    #6
  7. The best thing is if you can get hold of a copy of VADIS, which is
    Volvo's own electronic manual and parts catalogue. I have seen them
    on ebay from time to time and there is also a torrent copy floating
    around somewhere.

    As far as I'm aware there are no 3rd party manuals available for any
    of the more recent Volvo models.

    The other thing you can do is pop down to your local Volvo parts
    department and ask them to bring up the appropriate section from VADIS
    on their screen. This is what I often do and my local dealer is
    usually quite helpful in this regard.

    Andy
     
    Andy Cunningham, Aug 18, 2005
    #7
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