Rear axle leak. Is it easy to fix?

Overland_XC · Post by **Overland_XC** » 09 May 2017, 08:17

Saw this leak under the car and was wondering how hard it is to fix? Can I pull axle then change seal?

Post by **abscate** » 09 May 2017, 12:29

Wash it off with a power washer and get a feel for how bad it is leaking. That might be one to leave alone until you have other work to do..

Post by **scot850** » 09 May 2017, 16:01

It is pretty much the same as replacing an axle seal on the front. You have to pull the axle which involves disconnecting the rear hub assembly from the upper and lower control arms. I am not sure if you could get enough movement by just loosening the lower control arm and the trailing arm/stay. You may want to look at the write up I did on replacing the rear sub-frame on my 2000 V70R.

Good luck!

This is not an uncommon issue on the rear diffs at this age, just like the front ones the seals have a life span. I suggest you do as was suggested first and clean it all off and see what the leak rate is. There is a very hard to find breather hole in the rear cover of the diff. I can't recall if in my write up if I showed a picture of the location of it and if it is accessible with the diff still mounted in the rear sub-frame. It may be blocked and pressurising the diff housing.

Neil.

Post by **cn90** » 09 May 2017, 16:29

I have a rule of thumb: if oil leak does not appear on driveway, I leave it alone.
Power washer in that area may be asking for trouble (the jet can puncture the rubber boot on the CV joint).
Just use Purple cleaner, brush it, then regular garden hose.

PS: if you ever get to the point of replacing the seal...
- Brand matters, so stick to Volvo OEM or probably Corteco as OEM.
- Install the seal in the same exact position as you found it, basically run your finger through the factory seal to have an idea where the new seal should sit. If you install the seal a few mm off, chances are you will get a leak!