I've posted a few questions here and gotten prompt and reasonable answers. For the sake of those who haven't seen my earlier posts, I just bought a 1997 960 wagon (161K miles) to use as a weekend/hobby car. I knew it had a few problems when I bought it, but that enabled me to get it for a very good price. I've never owned a Volvo and wanted a chance to check it out and see what it's like to work on - I'm used to BMWs and Hondas. I don't have a service manual yet (can anybody recommend a good one?) and there are 4 problem areas that need attention. Any advice would be greatly welcomed!

This first is an oil leak. After reading these boards, my fear was that it would turn out to be the rear seal. Well, I got it up on a lift this afternoon and had a look. The rear seal is as dry as a bone. The oil is coming from the oil pan gasket. Would I have been better off if it was the rear seal? On my BMW, the engine has to be lifted out to change that gasket. Is is a major job on the 960?

The next issue is the brakes. When I apply the brakes at any speed, there is a low-pitched pulsing sound. My initial thought would be warped rotors. But there is no pulsing in the pedal or seat. It's just a noise. Could it still be warped rotors? I looked at them while it was on the lift and they look as if they've been replaced recently. They are full thickness with no ridge around the edge. The noise could be related to the next issue:

There is a fairly loud and persistant clunking sound when turning sharply at low speeds. I've read here and on swedishbricks.com that the sound is caused by worn suspension bushings. Which ones would that be? My thought is the rear lower control arm bushings. They are about 3 inches in diameter and attached horizontally between the frame and a crossmember. Are they the culprits? Also, whenever the front suspension is exercised, there is a lot noise. It sounds like bushing noise. It's a low pitch squeak. Do all the bushings need replacement, or can they simply be lubed? If lubing is the answer, can someone recommend a product and method to use?

The last issue is with the cooling system. I thought I had a major coolant leak, but it turned out to be a false alarm. Since then I've been watching the temp guage very closely. The temp quickly rises to the halfway point and will hold for while, then it'll creep up until it's almost to the red, hold there, then creep back down. It doesn't seem to matter if the AC or heat is on. It'll keep going up and down like for a while, then stay close to the red (at about the 3/4 position). I've checked the coolant level with the engine cold and it is at or slighly above the "Cold" mark on the overflow tank. After driving, the upper radiator hose is very hot and the lower hose is warm. I checked the radiator for obstructions or dirt and it looks clean. What should I be looking for? Also, the manual is very adament about only using Volvo brand coolant. I know with the BMW, I MUST use BMW coolant due to the mix of materials in the cooling system. Is this the case with a Volvo? Must I use Volvo coolant, or is there another type that's safe?

Okay, that's it for now :-)

Thanks!!