98 S70 Driver's side axle seal replacement?

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 08 Feb 2016, 10:37

Hey everyone, still haven't gotten around to seeing if our car will start with starting fluid or fuel relay jump. (And now it's snowing...) But wanted to make sure I've diagnosed this properly. While I was doing the caliper work yesterday, I saw this. This is an axle seal, job, no? Is there a way of being sure that this is transmission fluid and not oil? I know there is no way to measure the level of transmission fluid. I imagine this will entail removing the CV axle and getting at the seal. Are there any special tools that are needed? A seal puller or anything like that? Thanks!

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:34

I agree it is probably coming from the axle seal but it also seems verrrry slow, you could sit on it. I might wait until a CV boot splits (or until you decide to replace boot(s) preemptively).

Yes the job is very simple once you have the axle out. Axle out, seal out, seal in, axle in. No special tools for seal removal (screwdriver) but read up on various preferences for driving in the new seal. I like a small, square block of wood and a 3 pound hammer. Use a wedge to pop out the axle, makes removal satisfyingly easy.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:53

Thanks erikv11! I ordered my seal and will get to it in March. Do you think I need to add some transmission fluid to the case? Just to be on the safe side? Or am I just being paranoid about ruining our lovely manual transmission?

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Feb 2016, 12:58

Maybe, I certainly hear you but ... alas I am clueless about manual transmissions !! See what abscate says, or somebody with firsthand experience.

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 08 Feb 2016, 13:34

You measure the level of fluid with that bolt to the right of the axle- undo and stick finger in-should be just below the threads when car is level-I refill through the reverse sensor fitting- it is most likely an oil leak as it looks worse closer to the axle

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 21 Mar 2016, 15:40

I have this habit of always looking underneath the car. I don't know. To make sure everything is in order. The A/C lines are in bad shape, the power steering lines are in bad shape, oh well... But then I see this...

My wife's car is "weeping" coolant from the drain. I go to touch the drain and it snaps in two. I put some Gorilla tape on it and drive her where she had to go. (She couldn't afford to be late, ha!) Now the car is in the driveway and I'm going to tackle the heater core, upper and lower radiator hoses and all the heater hoses. I'm not so worried about that, it seems pretty straightforward thanks to all of you guys! (Though, maybe I should just order the OEM Volvo Engine Temp Sensor and keep the FAE as a backup... I do have to order a drain...)

I am going to dremel the hell out of the junction and run heater hose in there and live dangerously!!

It's a small weep and, of course, I'll have to drill it out. (I'm sure it'll be a hell of a lot easier than the broken exhaust manifold bolt on my Saab I need to drill out!)

But that's not a big deal. So I keep looking and I see this. Is this a rear main seal issue? Or is this just an accumulation of the slow drain coming from my transaxle seals? (They both need to be replaced...) No manual transmission would ever weep from any other point, right? Also, if you look at this picture towards the upper left side, there's oil there... Why? Why oh why!!! I'll get underneath there and inspect a little better when I pop off the axles. I'll be sure to post pictures.

These cars... On the bright side, I found my charcoal canister!

Post by **kahl** » 21 Mar 2016, 17:02

I have a radiator drain plug. PM me if you want me to send it to you.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 22 Mar 2016, 07:26

kahl, thanks for the support! I really appreciate it. I already ordered one!