Buddy at work has a 1998 Volvo S70, non turbo, 2WD. Asks me if I know why his ABS and Trac lights are on and could I fix it for him. I do some online research and find the following:
These cars are notorious (Number of internet complaints) for the ABS Brake Module going bad (Solder on circuit board gets brittle and breaks) and his car is showing all the signs and symptoms of his being bad.
New replacement cost for the part is around $500.
He was able to source a used one with warranty for $150.
Initially I read a few write ups on line and the part seems pretty easy to replace. Remove Airbox, some additional under hood items to gain access/room to the module. Remove electrical connections, remove the 5 brake lines going into it, remove the 2 hex head bolts holding it in, and swap out bad with the good module. Reading the online tech write ups, no one mentions bleeding the brakes or ABS module after doing this? Is this correct? I wouldn't think so, once the lines are opened, isn't air introduced to the system?
Calling my Fat Head, know it all Brother he tells me to walk away from the job as you need a special Snap On (Servus?) type computer/machine to bleed the air out of the ABS module, or the dealer equivalent tool/machine? I have read about certain GM vehicles requiring a expensive dealer only tool/machine to bleed the ABS modules, but couldn't find anything for the Volvo? He goes onto state that he has driven himself mad trying to replace and bleed a ABS module on a Yukon.
My buddy at work already bought the used Module and I already agreed to change it for him, but now I am getting a little spooked. I told him I'd swap vehicles with him, take his car home to my shop after work, replace the module, rid him of a squeak in the front brakes and return the car the next day at work, but now I'm thinking this job could turn into a major headache?
Any advice?
Should I tell him I cannot do it?
Sounds like a cluster.. I would download the factory manual to make sure?