I recently blew the high-pressure line of my power steering. I rang my local Volvo dealer, and asked for a price for a new one. To my shock, I was quotes Australian$370 = 10%GST. I also asked for a price for hose for the low pressure line figuring that I may as well changes it at the same time, A$70 /meter +GST. Feeling a bit light headed, I decided to look for other alternatives. I pulled out the number of my local Volvo mechanic, and gave him a call.

“Yes, a genuine Volvo part would cost that much, but give these blokes a call.” The people I called where an industrial hydraulic specialist.

“No worries mate, we’ll make you one up using the old fittings, A$60 for the high pressure, and $18 / meter for the low pressure, including GST.”

Since I have had my Volvo, I have had to spend a fair bit on parts, and no matter what they are, they seem to be expensive ($120 for an OD relay for example).

The point of this post, other than to have a whine? Firstly, shop around for parts, and think in unexpected places. Secondly, a trustworthy mechanic is worth is weight in gold (especially it you need to replace a hydraulic hose). Thirdly, I was wondering if the prices of Volvo parts where similar in the US (ie. Outrageous).

Matt Jones
’84 240, 240,000Km (rolled over today!)

Hi Matt, do you know of any salvage yards with Volvos that would ship to the US,thanks,Nelson.

A few years ago I had to replace a pressure side power steering hose on my 1991 240. The wholesale price was $220US ($275 retail).

Sadly the END to my hose was broken, and it's a three-year-only part. Nobody wanted to touch it. I ended up going to my local NAPA store, and left for less than $50, with the SAME PIECE.

--
1992 940 wagon, 72k
make people envious; smile often.

Matt,
Where are you? (I am in Sydney) I need to replace low pressure power steering hose because it is almost rubbed through where it has been touching the bottom of the engine. Can you give me the details of hose type and supplier? Length more than 1 less than 2 metres... right?
Thanks
Karl 86 245 189K Kms

I am in Melbourne. The place I got the hose is calles Enzed Hoses, in the yellow pages under Hydraulic. Just take in the old pipe, and they'll match it.

Matt Jones

I have found OEM Volvo parts to be outrageously expensive for a 1991 744. The only thing more ridiculous is the labor rate associated with a "certified" volvo (lower case intentional. They don't deserve the distinction of a proper naming) mechanic at a dealer.

Owning both a Honda and a 744, I must admit that the Honda parts are more expensive. However, from my experience, the quality control associated with Honda parts which leads to tremendous longevity has far outweighed the initial expense for me.

The 744 is safer. Great design and 4K lbs of steel on a full chasis will get that for you. The Honda is far more reliable. After 17 years, I put less than $5K in total repairs including oil changes ($1700).

Don't get me wrong. I think the world of my 744. But Gotenburg needs to get its act together when they are going head to head with the likes of Lexus or a Caddie Northstar system.

Just my $0.02
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Regards, David

I can tell you one thing, in the US, Volvo parts are NOT that expensive relative to Toyota, Honda, Mercedes for example. We have many more shopping alternatives here - from mail order to web to 800 numbers...if you shop you can save mucho USD$

But you indeed started with a doozy...the PS high pressure lines are very expensive from the dealer and even aftermarket!! Hint: Any oil resistant (important!) hose of the correct diameter can be used for the low pressure side.
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http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html

I just spent $48 US (including tax) for a transmission cooler line... they had already been replaced once with a more home made solution that was probably much cheaper...

If I had the time I probably would have learned the fine art of bending, cutting and flanging metal tubing and would have made my own with the old fittings. Unfortunately the tube was leaking so bad I had to refill the transmission fluid every 8 miles or so!

I also bought an air intake hose for $26 US.

So far it hasn't killed me but I'm looking forward to finding out how much wiring harnesses are as the dashboard electrics are a bit wacky on my
what's the conversion from Australian to US Dollars?

Jack
'86 245, 240,000 miles

http://www.rubicon.com/passport/currency/currency.html

Note: At the top of the page there is a link to the expanded list, in case the country you're looking for isn't on the basic list.

BTW - Does anyone know the correct way to insert a URL link into these messages?

"BTW - Does anyone know the correct way to insert a URL link into these messages?"

You mean like this? Click here, Chris.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

no disrespect to David ( honda and Volvo ) uppercase intentional, but we sell Honda and Volvo where I work and I know what I would rather maintain. I have been in the parts game for over twenty years and the price of some honda parts still amazes me.
regards Joe Kenny