Volvo RWD Forum

Once the transmission is out you just unbolt the flywheel and you will be looking at it.

I prefer to remove the seal with a pry type tool and leave the carrier in place Others remove the carrier surrounding the seal and change out the seal on the bench (this requires a new gasket between the carrier and the engine block).

Clean the crankshaft surface down to pure crankshaft. I use a refinishers scuff pad on something suitable to fit between the carrier and the crank surface. Then some solvent to clean up. There are those who will cringe at the thought of abrasive dust from the scuff pad being deposited on site.

Grease the seal and the crankshaft. Put it in place starting on one side and pressing against that first lip to ease the other side over the end of the crankshaft without forcing the lip towards the outside. It the lip is forced back the fine spring on the backside can become dislodged and you can not see it. If it comes out of place the seal will leak.

It can be difficult to get the seal started evenly all the way around. Light tapping on the surface of the seal face around the radius of the seal will eventually get it started.

A piece of the white 4" plastic pipe has just about (but not quite)the right diameter to match the seal size. You can cut a section out and pull it together with zip ties to reduce the diameter. It makes a good installer tool to put on the seal surface and strike with a hammer to get the correct placement. The image below shows it sitting on a 230 rear main seal. (the other end in contact with the seal has a better cut on it and contacts the seal all the way around).

Read the FAQ's concerning transmission removal as there are lots of great tips on the task. I would start soaking the transmission cooling line attachments now. Those lines are old and probably rusty. Many times I end up having to bend replacement lines. I would imagine they are a bit pricey from the dealer.

I always make sure to have two rear main seals on hand when I plan on replacing one... I screwed one up trying to install it and had to buy one locally at 5 times the cost from my regular internet supplier.

Good luck
Randy