is it leaking grease of sort...

[xHeart]

From topic timing belt/ABS disaster, quoting Robert, "The Volvo brand water pump usually leaks before it breaks. It has a weep hole and will leak coolant before failing."

I am trying to stay calm.

[xHeart]

I am looking behind the tb cover this morning for signs. The coolant drip is absent this morning. do I run the engine for a look at water pump, leaking seal, failing pump, what else?

There are some painful posts at MVS caused by the failure of water pump. How do I proceed, drive the car or not?

The maintenance record shows TB and water pump was done in October 2010, all OE.

[Ben850]

If the water pump was replaced in 2010, I wouldn't think the bearing would have gone already, but see if you could find a brand name stamped on it somewhere to possibly know the quality level.

Also, you may re-torque the water pump bolts to spec. I was at the scrap yard yesterday and after pulling a timing cover from a '94 850, I found one of the water pump bolts was about 1/16 of an inch out from being snug. the pump on that car looked to be a possible replacement as well, so you can never tell the level of attention that was paid by the last hands to touch the car.
Good luck.

[xHeart]

Removed the TB cover, seeing from the below, there is a presence of coolant fluid.

corner with a trail of antifreeze...

MVS_0172.jpg (349.8 KiB) Viewed 1588 times

[xHeart]

Brand HEPU.

a closeup

MVS_0171.jpg (311.74 KiB) Viewed 1386 times

[xHeart]

What triggered all this is a crack in CV boot which is leaking curd like grease. Found this slit, there may be more, but this is visible. These are sweat like, tiny drops around it.

a slit in CV boot

MVS_0173.jpg (388.05 KiB) Viewed 1386 times

So I have two jobs, which to do first, and due date for completing each?

As always many thanks!

[jimmy57]

CV boot or shaft is first unless you grab the water pump and feel loose motion. Seepage because the bearing is loose is a worry. A few drips with no other issues is not a worry. Many car manufacturers have info in their repair info on water pumps that have a few drips with no reports of needing to add coolant regularly is not an issue needing replacement. The silicates in coolant can dry up and the seal will have a leak path by lip of seal and the seeping effectively flushes the silicate deposit away and it seals again.
Don't go with the cheap CV axle assemblies. They have short lifespans. The pieces have little if any hardening.

[xHeart]

What makes are out there after Volvo OE, EMPI? Or buy a bellows kit from local Volvo parts, for $70 includes both inner and outer.

Is it a left or right axle?

[xHeart]

replacement of your boots is a easy fix you just need a special tool to close the clamps, you can also replace...

Would you point me to the special tool?

[xHeart]

In interim, would a duct tape (JBWeld patch) on the slit stop the further leaking out of grease, assuming there is some in the boot, and allow me two weeks to get to this repair?