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Recurring fluid leaks on AWD (long)[S70/2000] posted by Kevin Perveiler on
Wednesday, 4 April 2001, at 3:35 p.m.
We've recently been plagued by a problem with our 2000 S70 AWD (just under 25,000 mi). A strong odor of transmission fluid was noted, especially after exiting the highway. The dealer replaced a leaky pinion seal to fix the problem. The problem recurred the next day and the dealer again placed the seal.
When this one also began leaking, the dealer blamed a replacement tire for causing the problem (The Michlein MXV4 that is original equipment has a different diameter than the Michlein MXV4+Energy tire of the same size that was put on the car following a flat 6 months ago - even though no leaks or odor was detected for more than half a year.) After the tire replacement another pinion seal was replaced, alog with another seal that they said was leaking.
The oder remained and they steam cleaned the engine, saying that residual oil was causing the problem.
That was last week. Over the weekend we took an out of state trip and noted the odor had returned upon exiting the highway.
Has anyone else heard of a problem like this? The 'tire cause' makes little sense, due to the length of time the leak took to surface and the dealer's inability to correct it.
Re: Recurring fluid leaks on AWD (long)[S70/2000] posted by bob on
Thursday, 5 April 2001, at 9:56 p.m.
When tires of a different diameter are installed on a car with AWD, the odd tires rolls at a different rate, causing undue stress on the AWD system, which in turn creates excessive heat. Left unchecked, the bevel gear case or the viscous coupling at the rear axle can be destroyed. Since the volvo system is 95% FWD, you can slide by having slightly smaller tires on the rear. As I recall, the permissible rolling diameter between front and rear is 1/2", measured around the center of the tread. Larger tires on the rear WILL damage the bevel gear(transfer case).
--bob