"Replace crankshaft oil seal includes R & I Transmission"

52like · Post by **52like** » 18 Jun 2013, 16:29

I believe I may have a repair warranty issue with an auto mechanic shop about my 1997 Volvo 850 GLT 4 door sedan 2.4 L. about work done in December, 2012. The transmission is leaking fluid for the first time. The other transmission-related repair they did besides the R & I transmission was an automatic transmission front pump seal. It's not the axel seals.

I am not an automobile repair expert. Actually, I'm a 64-year old woman who happens to love her black/black leather Volvo 850 that only has 124,000 miles on it dearly. I sometimes feel lost when dealing with these matters. Are there any other transmission gaskets/seals besides these two that weren't replaced that could be causing this leak? They are not visible? They pulled the engine out of my car when they did the original repair to replace all the seals for leaking oil and it cost a fortune.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Knowledge is power.

m96ag · Post by **m96ag** » 18 Jun 2013, 16:41

It really depends on where it's leaking, but there is the sealant where the two halves of the transmission case that could be leaking, also the cooler lines are another possibility. How much fluid is it leaking?

52like · Post by **52like** » 18 Jun 2013, 16:53

There is a small hole in the bottom of what I believe you referred to as the transmission case. It's dripping out of that hole.

Thank you for your response. I'm curious, what does this transmission problem have to do with a crankshaft oil seal? It's not leaking a lot of fluid, but it's enough to be a huge inconvenience.

m96ag · Post by **m96ag** » 18 Jun 2013, 16:56

The transmission does have a drain plug in the case. It looks like a large nut. If it is leaking from there the crush washer just has to be replaced. The part costs $0.25. Your mechanic will probably replace it for nothing.

52like · Post by **52like** » 18 Jun 2013, 17:12

So, the crush washer is not the same as a drain plug? These are two separate things that need to be replaced? Are either of these routinely replaced when the oil is changed, or should they be? It's the first I've heard of it. But then, that is why I am here asking you!

Thank you.

m96ag · Post by **m96ag** » 18 Jun 2013, 17:14

The crush washer is a seal for the drain plug. Only the washer needs to be replaced, and it should be replaced every time the transmission oil is changed.

Post by **wheelsup** » 18 Jun 2013, 17:14

If they replaced the pump seal on it, it shouldn't be leaking again, that is really soon. I'm not quite sure exactly what you are asking though.

By the title of the thread it sounds like you are referring to the rear main seal, the crank seal.

52like · Post by **52like** » 18 Jun 2013, 17:36

The title of my thread is an exact quote from the invoice I received. You are right; I don't know, but I want to learn. I am confused because the seal is in the rear. I think I incorrectly assumed ALL transmission parts are in the engine? I think I have a clearer picture about what to do now.

The invoice also stated "automatic trans. 2.4L Eng normally. Aspirated rear."

I know a lot more now than I did when I was at the repair shop this afternoon.

Thanks.

m96ag · Post by **m96ag** » 18 Jun 2013, 17:45

The "rear" seal is located near the driver's side because the engine is mounted transversely, or sideways, so the "front" of the engine is actually on the passenger's side.

Post by **JimBee** » 18 Jun 2013, 20:54

If the "rear main seal" is leaking, you will notice the engine oil level going down on the dipstick and you will probably also see spotting on the ground under the car, interior of the left (drivers side) wheel. That's the engine, not the transmission. It would be good to get clear on that with your mechanic. He had easy access to the rear main seal with the engine out, so might have replaced that, too. The title of your post "crankshaft oil seal" would suggest rear main seal. That seal allows the crankshaft (which is the power shaft of your engine) to rotate outside of the engine case (so it can turn the transmission) while holding engine oil inside the engine case.

Since the transmission mates to the "rear" end of the engine you can't actually see the rear main seal because the transmission covers it. The "weep" hole in the bottom of the transmission case, right beneath that seal, is where engine oil leaking from the main seal can exit.

So If you determine that the engine is leaking oil and that's what (or one thing) the mechanic was supposed to fix, and it is still leaking past that rear main crankshaft seal, they will need to redo it.

Good luck.