Easter Weekend Overhaul: Advice Please!

[Kezzieboy]

What Volvo? Love Lolvos

V50 T5 AWD

The backbox at least needs removing for the beam, so drop the whole exhaust off first imo.

Way I'd do it -

Jacked and supported
Wheels off
Exhaust off
Swap beams (you can leave brakes on car but takes some effort and precision to not damage anything like that)
Exhaust on
Front struts
Battery off (to give 'drain' time)
Put wheels back on - (steels if you like though standard for a Meridian is Swallow/Laser alloys)
Change steering wheel and airbag ECU
Put battery terminal back on and check all good
Test drive up to temp to check suspension work and warm the oil
Drop oil/full service
Odds and sods - badges/wiper motor/etc

I think it's optimistic to expect to do all that over the easter weekend though, theoretically you could but in reality things will be seized etc. Also bear in mind shops like ECP will be shut on Sunday if not the BHs as well.

That seems pretty logical, I reckon I'll go with that. It doesn't all need to be done that weekend, I've a little space up here I can work on the car if necessary, just not enough to do all the suspension bits really, enough for the service though.

I think I can get it done though, I'll be starting by noon Friday and will have until around 3 on Monday to get it all sorted, should be able to do all the suspension stuff within two days, and the service in about 2 hours. I can borrow a pair of hands off my dad for any tricky bits too.

Speaking of tricky bits, you say it's feasible to leave the brakes attached, how would one go about this? Cable tie them up in the arch somewhere? Probably a good time to enlist my useful assistant.