Manual gearbox 850

2goldvolvos · Post by **2goldvolvos** » 20 Dec 2008, 17:14

Wife has long said she'd like a wagon, and lo and behold an 850 wagon is available locally, with a manual gearbox!

Any history on these boxes would be appreciated. Clutch slave cylinders leaking? Synchros wear quickly? Were these ZF or Getrag boxes? Anything particular to look for?

Thanks.

meteg · Post by **meteg** » 20 Dec 2008, 17:33

The manual gearbox which is available with a 850 is a M56-H manufactured by Volvo itself.the manual gearboxes available with these cars have less problems when compared with an auto transmission however the car and gearbox has to be checked carefully before buying. I dont know a lot about manuals but I can tell you one thing for sure the manuals have less problem when compared with the auto transmissions which are manufactured by the Japanese Aisin Warner company.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 Dec 2008, 20:10

I have a '94 sedan with a manual, still on the original clutch at around 215k miles and the transmission behaves perfectly. At this stage the clutch is a little grabby for the first few blocks after a cold start but it doesn't slip. I think the M-56 transmission itself is bullet proof.

I think part of the secret to life on the clutch master and slave cylinders is routine flushing of the brake fluid.

If you can buy it right go for it, the stick adds a real element of fun and performance to the car.

...Lee