Hi BellaBoo,

The clutch cable should not fail like that. Though they can. At very high miles or because the clutch was never adjusted, or the operator kept their foot on the clutch at all times when stopped.

Very bad on a clutch to leave you foot on it. Depress the clutch to engage and shift gears. Keeping your foot on a clutch pedal at a five minute stop light repeatedly again and again is bad for the transmission and clutch and cable.

Many Volvo owners will keep a spare cable or two.

Why does this keep happening?

I'll guess the shop you use is not using a real Volvo OEM or quality after-market clutch cable, if one can be bought OEM from the Volvo dealership.

Or they are installing it wrong.

Or they are using a cheap section of steel cable they believe will work. I dunno. (I don't trust mechanics, and I used to be one!)

As for the brand of clutch or the country of manufacture, well, I dunno. If these clutch cable parts are actually made in Germany and Italy. (Many parts from Europa are made in China, and stuffed in a box in Germany and Italy. A growing trend.

Some have used strong and tough steel stranded aircraft cable of the proper gauge (diameter), with a type of anchor at either end.

I've searched the brickboard and used google and bing. I've read the articles here, on your brickboard.com of folks using steel air craft cable for replacement clutch cable. They'll keep keep extra sections in their Volvo. Replacement is not too hard. Under the dash is a little bother at the clutch pedal.

Did the shop, before they replaced the cable, did they inspect and clean the cable sheath and lubricate it? The action should be smooth.

When you have taken you foot off the clutch pedal, the cable should be slack (without tension). Though you may not be the one checking this condition.

You may want to try another mechanic.

http://www.volvomechanics.com/

Or, if you find the articles on using heavy steel air craft cable of a suitable diameter for the clutch cable sheath on your 700 series Volvo, maybe they can try that.

Else, I'll guess they are doing something wrong.

Check the BBB and review opinion sites. As you are are near Seattle, you may be paying exceptional labor rates.

Or maybe a brickboard member in your area can help you in person? (We hope!)

I'm not near you now nor will I be for sometime. I'd help, if I could. I'm too far away now.

I hope that helps you.

Questions?

Thank you,

Washington State