Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Dear Jimmy,
I have recently had a series of leaks occur in my Volvo stationwagon (90,000 miles). Three weeks ago, the dealer replaced the "engine breather box" for an oil leak. Today, he informs me that there is another leak in the "angle gear seal" and...my real reason for writing...there is another leak in the "middle seam where the transmission halves come together". The latter requires either: a) dissembly and repair of seam, or b) the replacement of the transmission (rebuilt transmission for about $3800). The first choice comes only with a guarantee that the leak will be fixed and "if some other problem occurs with the transmission, it would obviously not be covered". So, the dealer's first recommendation is complete replacement. The dealer confirmed that there is no sign of external damage to the transmission. He admits that this type of transmission leak is very unusual and supposes that the cause may have been "from something shifting".
This strikes me as lot of leak problems all at once. But my real concern is for the transmission leak. Is it unusual for a leak to occur in this seam? Do such leaks occur on their own? What do you think of my options?
Right now, I'm looking for a good 3rd party transmission repair shop to get another opinion.
Answer -
Hello Randy! It is very rare for the trans to leak at the seam unless something in the road hit it. Are you leaking oil or transmission fluid? What is the condition of the axle seals? I'm sorry to answer your question with another question, but I am trying to understand the problem better. I would not let them repair the seam. It is better to replace the transmission.
Jimmy
Dear Jimmy,
Thanks for your quick response!
You had some questions for me which I'll try to answer. Only my wife & I drive the car and neither of us recall ever hitting anything in the road. I specifically asked the dealer if there was any evidence that something had hit the transmission and he said no. I believe that the current leak is dripping transmision fluid; it is a reddish-brown transparent liquid with not much odor. As for the axle seals, the dealer does say that we should repair the "angle gear seal" at the same time. He noticed a leak there as well.
You suggest not attempting to repair the seam. Can you tell me something about the nature of this seam? I had imagined that this seam is simply a joint fitted with a gasket where the halves come together. Or, is it really a seam that welded or otherwise, factory-sealed? Why is repairing the seam a bad idea?
Thanks & regards,
Randy
AnswerHey Randy! The seam is very difficult to re-seal. The transmission is sealed from the factory. It is hard to get it to seal agian once the trans is apart. The trans will have to be totally taken apart to re-seal it. It may not go back together the same way again. The angle gear seal should be replaced if it is leaking. You will prevent further damage to a very expensive part. It needs to be removed anyway if you decide to repair the trans.
Jimmy
