Rear oil seal question for 850's

DonM · Post by **DonM** » 08 Jan 2006, 10:27

I am just in the process of finalizing the purchase of a 97 850 (non-turbo), 5-speed that only has 85,000 km (51,000 miles) on it.

It has been regularly serviced by the original owner and the only thing that I have decided to do immediately is to have the timing belt changed (and perhaps the tensioner belt at the same time) - the original owner was planning to do it when it hit 96,000 km - he was not aware of the "5 year maximum" recommendation.

But in scouring the various forums, I have occasionally read about this expensive repair job (rear oil seal),,,,,,,,,is this something that I am likely to be hit with soon or is it something that rarely happens. And at what mileage can I expect this to occur if it is something that happens to most 850's?

Steve Henning · Post by **Steve Henning** » 08 Jan 2006, 18:21

The rear seal went out on my '93 850 fairly early, but the replacement was still good when I sold the car at 180,000 miles.

The rear seal on my '95 850 is still good at 125,000 miles without ever being replaced. When they go, it is just a small drip which many cars have any way. It is just that with a Volvo it is unusual.