96 850R Front Cam Seals

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 18 Dec 2015, 20:24

Anyone know how much labor time is involved by a skilled mechanic in replacing the two front cam seals? It looks like there is a small oil leak coming from that area and I am trying to price it out. I believe the volvo seals are about 30 each.

Post by **tryingbe** » 18 Dec 2015, 20:55

I can probably it in less than 2 hours. Skilled mechanic, probably an hour.

Post by **cn90** » 18 Dec 2015, 22:53

If the TB and idler-tensioner pulleys are are up-to-date and the only thing that need to be replaced is the cam seals, then 1h for skilled indy that knows what he is doing!

This job is very easy to screw up for 3 reasons:
1. The space is tight, visibility is limited. Many mechanics are not familiar with the tricks.
It took me a long time to figure the trick is a cut PVC Pipe coupler.

2. The seal is driven inward (remember camshaft end is stationary) with a risk of folding the "lip" portion of the seal over. This happened to me and the good seal was destroyed.
In contrast, when you insert the axle, it pushes toward the seal and there is no risk of the lip folded over.

3. Brand name: I messed up the Volvo seal (lip folding over), I had to replace it during the weekend and the only thing I could get was SKF at local store. Three (3) years later, the SKF leaked and I had to replace it.
This time I used Corteco, which is OEM and is about $8/each. Get the Corteco, stay away from Elring.
Rmeuropean dot com has Corteco:
http://www.rmeuropean.com/

I wrote the whole thing up (Timing Belt, Serp Belt and the whole 9 yards) below...

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=53722

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Dec 2015, 09:27

For any skilled mechanic, front cam seals on an 850 will be a walk in the park. This is a totally routine job.

Agreed, a mechanic can knock out this job in an hour but it is extremely unlikely that is how much you will be charged. At a shop all jobs are priced on a "book value," would you want to pay your mechanic less because he is faster (more skilled)? I am guessing front cam seals come in at 1 to 1.5 hours each but call a couple shops, they should all give you the same quote because they all use the same "book" system.

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 19 Dec 2015, 17:24

Each Cam Seal an hour?

Also, I got my timing belt replaced about 3,500 miles ago and the cam seals have just started to leak...do I really need to replace the timing belt again?

Post by **rspi** » 19 Dec 2015, 19:08

cn90 wrote:...with a risk of folding the "lip" portion of the seal over. This happened to me and the good seal was destroyed...

Ouch! Happened to me as well.

Post by **tryingbe** » 19 Dec 2015, 19:13

wackenhut wrote:Each Cam Seal an hour?

Also, I got my timing belt replaced about 3,500 miles ago and the cam seals have just started to leak...do I really need to replace the timing belt again?

You do realize where cam seal are, right? Doing cam seal is essentially doing another timing belt. Also, change the front crank seal as well when you're in it this time. If oil got on the belt for a prolong amount of time, change the belt, if not then don't.

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Dec 2015, 19:48

The book rate will be per front cam seal. There is no break on the book rate for the second cam seal, shop pricing just doesn't work that way.

Sounds like your timing belt will be OK but see tryingbe's suggestions.

I actually wouldn't change the front crank seal unless it is leaking. I have done a lot of timing belts and cam seals but never changed a front crank seal, never had to so far, knock on wood.

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 19 Dec 2015, 20:12

I asked a mechanic, do you know what is meant by the fact that I should replace all 4 seals? He then said parts and labor with new timing belt will run about 600 dollars.

Post by **kahl** » 19 Dec 2015, 23:43

He is wanting to change the front and rear cam seals. Have you thought about doing this job yourself? Cam seals on a 850 are quite easy.