98 V70R and its AWD

[Kara503]

Picked up a 98 R for a steal! It was sitting for 4 years before I bought it and in need of some love.
Attached a pic of my angle gear. Appears to be leaking from all over. Rear differential is covered in fluid coming from both axle seals. The viscous coupling looks like it has fluid coming out of it, too.

Going to:
-Pull angle gear, separate housing to reseal and replace both axle seals along with trans output seal and angle gear output seal
-Replace both rear diff seals
-Replace fluid on both of those things

Should I be worried about the wet VC? Is it replaceable separate from the driveshaft? Should I just leave it for now?
Does it look like a seal is missing from the axle visible?
Am I forgetting anything I should service while I'm in there?
Is the vibration dampening magic box on bottom of the angle gear any use?

[abscate]

Everyone who has taken off the damper never returns, we think they implode.

There is a hidden bolt on top of it that I think was poorly documented and hard to see, in case you can’t get it loose.

I would hit that with citrus engine cleaner and a hose first because the hypoid oil smell makes me ill.

The top off the VC angle gear oil and see how bad the leak is.

[scot850]

Ok I am more confused than normal. The VC (viscous coupling) is at the back end of the prop-shaft and is filled,I understand, with a silicon fluid to operated the clutches. This is sealed and not serviceable. The picture is the angle gear. These do leak from the axle seal on the RHS and can leak between the angle gear collar and its seal. The rear seals also leak. Even new ones! Volvo dealer replaced the rear one twice to get it to seal.

If you plan to pull the angle gear to reseal you would be advised to replace the collar between the trans and the angle gear. The splines wear with age and get to the point where they strip the teeth on the angle gear.

As per abscate, I would clean it all off, replace the angle gear oil and see where the oil is coming from as there are several possibilities in that area from the trans output shaft, rear main seal, turbo oil lines as well as the axle seal. If PCV was blocked oil also leaks down the back of the block.

Good luck.

Neil.

[abscate]

Kara ..that might be engine oil coming from the turbo seeping down onto the angle gear,

Rub some off on a paper towel and smell it for the stink of gear oil vs the slight machine smell of engine oil

Send me some in a SASE ( ha!) since my injunction against creeping out people on the internet doesn’t apply in your state yet!

Seriously, gear oil really reeks.

[Kara503]

Abscate- Thank you! Turbo leak makes much more sense given how much oil is all over. I'll do that as well while I have the AG out. Thanks for mentioning the smell! I checked the level and noticed how bad it smelled but I chalked that up to it having some dirty particulate and possibly being burned/ worn out. Good to know for future diag

Scott- Apologies if my post was confusing at all. I'll post a picture of the VC as well for the sake of clarity, it really does look like it is seeping fluid. I appreciate the reminder about the angle gear collar, I wouldn't have thought to order one beforehand! Good to be prepared before the teardown.

In the land of other problems, the power steering rack is hemorrhaging fluid from the area of the steering gear and hose connections. If it happens to be the gear connection to the steering column is a new rack the only option?

Also, my ABS and TRACS lights are lit. Are these modules interchangeable? There is a 98 v70XC in a yard near me, pulling the ABS controller would be $15.

[abscate]

Send your ABS controller into MattyMoo for about $100 - and you forget about it failing forever. A junkyard one will be an unknown. The only fail when you need your brakes, after all



The PS rack replacement is a pretty big job but that is what is needed if its given up the oil in puddles.

There are two racks used, TRW and SMI so you have to sort out which one you have, first.

Kara - that oil might be coming from the turbo return line, hidden behind your angle gear. If you search threads you will come across my replacement DIY.

When this seal leaks, it covers the engine with oil, and I mean COVERS.

Be careful with those Rs - they can sit in your driveway while you go VROOM VROOM for a while..

[scot850]

You will need a mirror to check the ABS/TRACS controller part number. You can then check on Mid-West ABS website for part number compatibility. Abscate is right that often a junkyard unit may be as bad as you have, but you never know. An V70XC from 98 is a reasonable chance of being compatible. Buying a rebuilt and warranted unit from Matty is a better long term bet.

Neil.