V70 2006 2.5T Rear Main Seal How Expensive?

Post by **donc** » 17 Nov 2020, 19:23

It looks as though I have a partially clogged PCV system that caused the rear main seal to start leaking at 189,000 miles. I had the major timing belt service done at 105,000 miles and my former mechanic in Ohio indicated that the PCV looked good. Now I'm thinking that if that was the case, my rear main wouldn't be leaking now!

Anyway I need a new rear main seal and a new PCV system. I really do not want to do a repair this deep myself. If I get a mechanic to do it, how much should I expect to pay? What else should be done while the car is torn apart?

I'm on the eastern shore of Maryland mostly now and would like to find a Volvo mechanic in the area who is trustworthy.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated. The rest of the car looks fabulous and is in good working order. Thanks.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 17 Nov 2020, 20:27

Do your PCV system first - there are countless write ups and discussions on this forum. Make sure you clean the block holes all the way to the oil pan. Dropping the oil pan to make sure you have fully cleaned the block passages is best practice. While there do the o-rings. At your miles these start to cause issues with oil pressure.

If your PCV system is causing excess pressure the weak link my be the Rear Main Seal. That does not equate to it needing replacement. Many times correcting the PCV pressure will stop the RMS from leaking (as well as various other seals).

RMS is a major operation which requires either removing the transmission or engine and transmission then separating the two to attack the RMS. Years ago I had it done for about $1400.00 which the dealer paid as it was under their used car warranty.

You have a decent chance of stopping the RMS leak with a proper PCV service. There are countless members that have over 200k on the original RMS.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 17 Nov 2020, 20:38

Finding a trustworthy mechanic is probably the information you need here. Most good mechanics would happily add parts to your bill they see as in need of replacement I would suggest setting a cost limit with the mechani, having said that ive never received a phonecall from a mechanic like they usually call when the jobs done and say "surprise" heres some things we added. Personally i would tackle the PCV job myself and hope the leak stops. then go on to getting outside help..Good luck

skeeter506 · Post by **skeeter506** » 18 Nov 2020, 08:28

I'd agree w/the other comment about doing the PCV first.

As for Volvo mechanics on the Eastern Shore they're few and far between. Behren's in Easton was always where my family took their wagons, great Volvo mechanic, not sure he's still around though there are still some cars parked there as of about 2 weeks ago.

Hope that helps.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 18 Nov 2020, 09:41

As I always say - there is nothing magical about a Volvo. The transmission in your car is used in a large number of vehicles. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aisin_AF33_transmission

I mentioned in the prior post the two ways to get to the RMS: 1) Remove engine (many will also remove transmission then seperate) or 2) Remove transmission only. Options to have the RMS can be expanded to transmission repair shops and body shops if you are not finding a Volvo specific shop to your liking. Transmission shops can and many times do replace RMS as the seal is there and exposed once the transmission is out.

Regardless do your PCV first as stated before to make sure the RMS is really your problem.

Post by **donc** » 24 Nov 2020, 12:20

Thanks for all of the responses and help. It looks like only the top PCV hose was replaced at 100,000 miles. Yikes! Behren’s in Easton, MD is changing hands as the old owner has retired. I found a shop near Salisbury with a Volvo trained mechanic on staff. It has a bunch of great online reviews. I will keep you posted on progress. Thanks again for your help.