Looking back, the second-generation Volvo S40 (and more pertinently the estate V50) were quite the departure for the Swedish company.
That’s because these were truly compact cars, which was a different direction for Volvo, which had hitherto been focused on big interior space, practicality and angular styling. The S40 and V50 were designed to look sleek and modern while offering cabin space that was merely on par with that in major rivals.
But people loved them, and they sold by the boatload, which means there’s a huge number on the used market, at just the right age and price to make them ideal for the home mechanic, such as you!
That’s where Haynes can help, because if you make a one-time investment in a Haynes Manual or Autofix for the Volvo S40 and V50, we’ll be with you to help diagnose common problems, and to guide you through sorting them out, which means you don’t have to shell out on steep garage labour charges. Buy now, and don’t pay later.
What recalls has the Volvo S40 been subject to?
One or two, it’s fair to say.
Both saloon and estate models were recalled to have a faulty exhaust fixed, and then all models were recalled because washer fluid could leak and get into the washer pump wiring, with the potential for fire.
A faulty clutch master cylinder affected 35,855 cars, and then 18,989 cars were recalled to have a dodgy vacuum hose replaced. An engine support member could crack, so had to be replaced on a small number of cars, while water could get into the engine cooling fan, with a risk of fire.
Rear wheels that could come loose, plus fuel pump failures and engine failures all caused the S40 and V50 to be recalled to dealerships, as did a passenger seat that was incorrectly fitted, and which could cause injury in a crash.
Footwell mats could cause the accelerator pedal to remain in the depressed position, so had to be replaced.
A leaky coolant tank could cause engine overheating, and a dodgy gear selector could cause the car to stick in gear.
What common problems does the Volvo S40 have?
There have been numerous reports of the Volvo S40 and V50 suffering a knocking noise from the front end under acceleration and deceleration. This is an incorrectly seated driveshaft.
Owners have also noticed a grinding noise from the front suspension when crossing speed bumps. This is down to the spring touching the strut mount.
An oil leak from the sump is something that owners have noticed, as is a problem that makes the engine difficult to start.
And finally, there have been reports of the S40 and V50 suffering a knocking noise from their rear suspension.
Does the Volvo V50 make a knocking noise?
Yes, say a number of owners. This happens when the car starts to accelerate or decelerate, and can be traced to a driveshaft moving fractionally in the wheel bearing housing.
The solution involves disconnecting the driveshaft from the bearing housing and cleaning up the splines.
After that, it’s a case of applying threadlock compound to the splines and refitting everything the way it was.
Note that once assembled, the vehicle should not be moved for a minimum of one hour.
This is a task that is explained in depth in the Haynes S40 manual, so don’t hesitate to get cracking. Knocking noises will be a thing of the past.
Why is your Volvo S40 Mk2 making a grinding noise?
A grinding noise is never a good thing. It suggests that something is rubbing against something else when it shouldn’t be. And that can only end up with expense. Best to sort it sooner rather than later.
The issue lies with the front springs, which can come into contact with the strut mount, and the only solution is to replace the springs with a newer type (part numbers: 30666205, 30666206 or 30666207) that has been designed to avoid this contact.
Removing the front strut is something the home mechanic can do, but removing the spring should be done with the greatest of care and using proper spring compressors.
This whole procedure is explained with illustrations in your Haynes S40 Manual, so make sure you know the steps inside out, and be careful.
Is your Volvo V50 leaking oil?
Noticing a dark patch of oil underneath your Volvo S40 can definitely be filed under ‘spoiled days’, but that’s what can happen to the Volvo S40 and V50 fitted with the 2.0-litre diesel engine.
The problem is that tiny cracks can appear inside the bolt holes for the sump, which allows the oil to leak out. Not good.
The solution is easy enough though, and entails draining the oil from the engine, then removing the sump. Then it’s a case of cleaning up the bolt holes and applying sealant before refitting the sump using new bolts (part number: 986212).
After that, refill the engine with oil. It’s probably a good idea to replace the oil filter as well at this point, because there’s no point in putting new engine oil through an old filter.
Everything you ned to know is contained in the Haynes S40 manual.
Does the Volvo S40 Mk2 have starting problems?
On occasion, yes, the Volvo S40 and V50 can be difficult to start. It will turn over but won’t fire up, which is beyond frustrating.
Many times, this can be attributed to a stuck valve in the throttle body.
The way to fix the issue is to remove the throttle body then clean it out with a proper cleaning solution. If it’s still a bit sticky, you can use some fine sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges on the throttle valve.
After that, you just need to refit the now-free-moving throttle body and enjoy a Volvo S40 or V50 that fires up as soon as you turn the key.
As ever, just follow the steps in your Haynes S40 manual and you’ll soon be back on the road.
Is your Volvo V50 knocking?
No sooner have you sorted out that problem that caused a knocking noise at the front of your Volvo S40 or V50, than you notice that there’s a knocking noise coming from somewhere behind you. Seriously? Unfortunately yes.
The problems lies with the support plate for the shock absorber’s upper mounting point, and the solution is to remove the shock absorber then to apply silicon grease before tightening the nut and refitting the shock absorber.
The good news is that this should be a comparatively straightforward procedure that’s covered in your Haynes S40 manual.
