Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 9/2009 444-544 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

posted by  Calpete on  Sun Jan 31 09:25 CST 2010
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
last visit: Mon Oct 13 08:57 CST 2014
[RELATED]

Just got back from test-driving a '57 444 with what may be the original drive train - a B14A & a 3 spd tranny. I'm leaning towards buying it but, as can be expected, it has some quirks. Body appears in good shape - typical rust areas have been treated (how well only time will tell), interior VG, chrome excellent. Odo shows 98K.

Here are the quirks:
- Should the B14A come w/only 1 carb or the twin SUs? This has the twins.

- Oil filter leaks; has inverted cannister. Easy fix?

- Carb problems, but realize could be from sitting long time or need of major overhaul; anyway to tell which?

- Here's the big one, never heard of this before. When starting from full stop the rear end will "hop" up & down with an accompanying "bang" coming from the rear. More intense the harder or faster you start off. Rear wheels stay on the ground throughout this. Really weird. Looked under car & couldn't see anything added or unusual. Std suspension, not raised or lowered. Anybody heard of such a thing?

Any comments appreciated. Thanks.

Cal







  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

    posted by  164scott on  Sun Jan 31 15:43 CST 2010
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Thu Feb 18 01:49 CST 2010
    [RELATED]

    Earlier models of the 444 didn't have torque rods atop the differential. In fact, they had no torque rods whatsoever. I had a customer years ago whose '56 was without any provision for torque rods. I now have a customer with an early '57 (earlier trim fittings than my own '57 and earlier VIN), and hers does have torque rods.

    I don't know by any official documentation, but if what I've seen is any indication, I'd think it possible for yours to not have torque rods. I'd think, too, that yours is an earlier production given that it seems to predate the B16.

    Sounds like a great car - none of the issues you mention would prevent me from buying it. Cool.

    Best,

    Cameron
    444,122SC
    Rose City








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Who is "164scott' and why does my name show up as his? 444-544

      posted by  volvorelix on  Mon Feb 1 05:36 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Thu Oct 23 21:56 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      I'm logged in as volvorelix but my last post shows up as having been posted by someone else.

      ???

      Cameron
      444,122SC
      Rose City








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

      uid 4846's pic
      posted by  JohnMc on  Mon Feb 1 02:26 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Thu Oct 23 07:42 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      I've heard that too, I was trying to bolster my vaugely held hunch with some pics from WWW.GCP.SE, but the older 444 microfiches seem to skip some sections, and they don't have pictures of the rear suspension. But they do have pictures of the earlier rear axle (ENV, vs. the later Spicer/Dana) which doesn't seem to have any provision for mounting the torque rods up top:


      So the axle is just bolted firmly to the diagonal lower arms? Certain potential for torque feedback into the suspension. Might also be aggravated by some feedback in the lutch linkage as well - if the engine mounts are a bit squishy.
      --
      '63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic #1141 245 (now w/16V turbo)








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

    uid 5322's pic
    posted by  alschnertz on  Sun Jan 31 09:37 CST 2010
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:32 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    - Should the B14A come w/only 1 carb or the twin SUs?

    Pretty sure just one. But tuning it for two shouldn't be a problem so long as the intake is good.

    - Oil filter leaks; has inverted cannister. Easy fix?

    Not sure, depends where it's leaking.

    - Carb problems, but realize could be from sitting long time or need of major overhaul; anyway to tell which?

    No, but as long as the carb bodies are not cracked, they are repairable.

    - When starting from full stop the rear end will "hop" up & down with an accompanying "bang" coming from the rear. More intense the harder or faster you start off. Rear wheels stay on the ground throughout this. Looked under car & couldn't see anything added or unusual. Std suspension, not raised or lowered. Anybody heard of such a thing?

    Is this a two piece driveshaft? I'd suspect the carrier assembly located about in the middle of the car is missing some rubber bushings or mounts. Or even a transmission mount.







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

      Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

      posted by  rft1 on  Mon Feb 1 03:39 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Tue Jun 18 08:10 CST 2013
      [RELATED]

      My first Volvo, many years ago, was a '57 444. It had the B14 with twin 1 1/4" SUs. It originally had a 3 spd, but I was able to get a 4 spd box for it at the time. I believe it was the box that preceded the M40.


      The chrome strip on the side was higher on the body as well. It only went as far as the front of the door...not onto the bonnet(hood). Tail light housings were rubber, not the metal housings of later 444s.

      Bob








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

    posted by  Phil S. on  Sun Jan 31 09:35 CST 2010
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 24 13:18 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    B14 is the dual carb version of the B4B -- pretty rare but probably original.

    What sort of carb problems are you seeing? Could be they just need to be taken apart and given a good cleaning.

    No idea on the oil leak, sorry.

    My guess on the rear end hop is that the torque rod bushings are shot or loose. That's at the top center of the diff pumpkin.







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Need opinions on '57 444 444-544

      posted by  Calpete on  Mon Feb 1 09:47 CST 2010
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Mon Oct 13 08:57 CST 2014
      [RELATED]

      Thanks to everybody for your comments. Now I'll call the CO (I'm in Fla., he's in NC) to see what he found by putting it on a lift. Will pass your comments on to him. Also will ask him to contact the prev. owner to see what he says. I know the B14 has only 3 mains but I'm through dragging these things, just enjoy tooling around & keeping the fluids clean, etc.







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.