A Guide to the Engine Crankcase Breather Hose on Your 2011-2016 Volvo S60
That whistling noise from your engine bay could be a sign of this common and critical issue.
- A loud whistling noise at idle is a classic sign of a failed breather hose on your S60.
- This is more than just a simple hose; it's a critical part of preventing engine-damaging pressure buildup and oil leaks.
- Verify your S60's engine (T5 2.0L/2.5L or T6 3.0L) before ordering, as the parts are not interchangeable.
- Due to high failure rates of cheap parts, it's recommended to use OEM or a high-quality aftermarket brand for this repair.
Is Your S60's Breather Hose Failing?
The crankcase breather hose on the 2011-2016 Volvo S60 lives in a harsh environment of intense heat and oil vapor. Over time, the rubber and plastic materials become hard, brittle, and eventually crack or break. The PCV system can also become clogged with sludge, especially from many short trips or delayed oil changes, increasing pressure 🎬 See what happens when a Volvo PCV system gets completely clogged. and stress on the hoses. When a hose fails, it creates a vacuum leak and allows crankcase pressure to build, leading to several noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of a Bad Breather Hose
- Loud Whistling or Hissing Noise: This is the most common sign. High pressure escaping the crankcase or a vacuum leak from a cracked hose creates a distinct whistle at idle. The noise often disappears if you remove the engine oil filler cap, which temporarily relieves the pressure.
- Check Engine Light: A cracked hose creates a vacuum leak, allowing unmetered air into the engine. This throws off the air-fuel ratio and can trigger a Check Engine Light, often with a lean code like P0171.
- Oil Leaks: Excess pressure in the engine can push oil past gaskets and seals. You might notice new oil leaks around the valve cover, oil cap, or even the main front (crankshaft) and rear engine seals.
- Rough Idle: The vacuum leak can cause the engine's idle to become rough, unstable, or oscillate up and down.
- Increased Oil Consumption: In severe cases, high pressure can damage turbocharger seals, leading to increased oil consumption and potentially blue smoke from the exhaust.
A Related Known Issue: Oil Consumption
Some 5-cylinder Volvo engines have an extended warranty (Program P10206 / P10183) for excessive oil consumption related to piston rings. While not a direct recall on the breather hose, this issue is related to crankcase pressure. If you have high oil consumption, it's wise to have a dealer check for both a faulty PCV system and eligibility for this warranty program.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Part
When shopping for a replacement breather hose, you'll find options from Genuine Volvo (OEM) and various aftermarket brands. For this specific part, quality matters significantly.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Genuine Volvo parts are the safest choice, offering the best fit and material quality designed for your engine's specific conditions. However, they are also the most expensive option.
- Premium Aftermarket: Brands known for supplying parts to European car manufacturers often provide a good balance of quality and price. These parts are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
- Economy Aftermarket: While budget-friendly, lower-cost hoses may use materials that degrade and fail more quickly under the high heat of the engine bay. Given the critical function of the PCV system and the labor involved in a replacement, investing in a higher-quality part is strongly recommended to avoid doing the job twice.
Pro Tip: Consider a Full PCV System Kit
If one hose has become brittle and failed, the other hoses and the oil separator box in the PCV system are likely in similar condition. Many mechanics recommend replacing the entire PCV system as a kit. This is more work upfront but prevents another part of the system from failing shortly after you've replaced just one hose.
Typical Replacement Costs
The cost to replace the engine crankcase breather hose can vary depending on which hose has failed and the labor involved.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Hose | $25 - $60 |
| New OEM Hose | $70 - $120 |
| Shop Labor | $250 - $500 |
Note: Labor costs can be higher if the intake manifold must be removed to access the entire PCV system. Prices are estimates and may vary by location and vehicle engine type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my S60 with a bad breather hose?
It is not recommended. While the car may run, driving with a bad breather hose can lead to more severe problems, including major oil leaks from blown engine seals and potential turbocharger damage due to improper oil pressure and ventilation. It's best to get it repaired promptly.
How do I know which hose to buy for my S60?
The 2011-2016 S60 was available with different engines, including the 3.0L T6 (6-cylinder), the 2.5L T5 (5-cylinder), and the 2.0L T5 (4-cylinder "Drive-E"). These engines use different PCV hoses. It is critical to use your vehicle's VIN or select your specific engine type when ordering to ensure you get the correct part.
Is this a DIY job? 🎬 Watch: A complete walkthrough of the PCV breather system replacement.
Replacing just an upper, easily accessible hose can be done by a DIYer with basic tools. However, a full PCV system service, which is often necessary, requires removing the intake manifold and is a moderately difficult job that requires a good assortment of sockets, extensions, and patience. If you are not comfortable with that level of work, it is best left to a professional mechanic.
What is the "glove test"? 🎬 Watch: See how to perform the glove test on a Volvo.
The glove test is a simple way to check for excessive crankcase pressure. With the engine running, remove the oil filler cap and place a rubber glove over the opening. If the glove inflates, it indicates positive pressure in the crankcase, pointing to a clogged PCV system. If it gets slightly sucked in, the system is likely working correctly.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 31319423 30713343 8670008 1271653
Material is typically heat and oil-resistant rubber or plastic. Hoses are specific to engine type (e.g., 5-cylinder vs. 6-cylinder).
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Volvo S60: