I managed to tear off the black plastic pan under the front of the engine area again this week end.

What is the purpose of this pan? Will it affect anything if I just remove it?

Seems I'm am constantly hitting it when I pull into parking slots or into steeper than normal driveway entrances.

Have a 1998 V70, 150,000 miles and this is the only problem I've had with the car so can't complain .... but it is a bit of a pain when it happens while traveling away from my home area.

Thanks.

Thanks for the responses. My "gut" told me it would need to be replaced ..... guess I was just looking for an easier way out.

The "air guide" you are refering to is needed for better airflow through the radiator. My V70R was a couple of inches lower than the regular V70, and I know what you mean! I learned to stop short of curbs and parking lot concrete bumpers, the car is shorter than most cars on the road and fits into parking stalls easily.

If you have a pick&pull, you can get an 850 part and force it to fit with a couple of bumper clips. It must fit above the bottom of the bumper cover, otherwise you will just rip it off again.

Will your car run OK without it? Yes. But avoid larger puddles, as the splash might force water on the S belt and cause it to slip for a short while. When it gets hot outside and the AC is on and you are traveling slowly, like city traffic, the radiator fan will not be as efficient.

Klaus
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Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...

Hello, FYI; ipd (ipdusa.com) sells a one piece air guide for your era Volvo should a junkyard search prove fruitless. Kira

The black "belly pan" on my 01 V70 broke a tab off, and I repaired it using the black ABS pipe cement. Had to clean it really well (used lacquer thinner). Might give this a try as it's real cheap solution if it works. Mine was only a break over a few inches, but it's held up for over 3 years now.

Jerry