Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 5/2004 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

I've finally accepted that I must replace my leaky RMS. I received an estimate from local dealer for around $900-950.

My question is this: does anyone have the published (exact) labor time estimate (Chilton's, for example) for this job? I'm considering a mechanic who says he charges $35 an hour and uses the Chilton's guide, but he wasn't able to look it up at the time . . . plus, I'm curious. I'm guessing around 10 hours?
Thanks.

--
Two 1995 854 GLT's (w/ manual transmissions)








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

Also a good time to get a new clutch kit!!!!

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

Call you local indie, at $54/hr he is half the price of the dealers and knows what a bear of a job it is. They either pull the engine or dismantle the suspension to get the tranny to drop enough to replace the seal.
Have your oil trap cleaned at the same time! It is not milage but engine pressure that causes the seal to go.

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

In what region do you live where you can get anything for $35.00/hour?








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

I should have clarified. I'm considering hiring a "moonlighter" to do this big job. I have done 100% of the work on this '95 over the past 4 years, except for a few things when I didn't have time (eg, t.belt, motor mts).
I realize, however, that the rear main seal is totally out of my league. The moonlighter charges $35/hour, but is very forthright about the tradeoff, such as "no dealer-backed warranties, etc." I'm not 100% comfortable about the no warranty factor for so much $, but I may go w/ him anyway (9 hr. labor costs are $315 vs. $630-675).
There is, however, a local indie (never met/tried them) who charges $54 and they have a great reputation.
Any advice?
--
Two 1995 854 GLT's (w/ manual transmissions)








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995

I had my rms replaced two years ago. I considered having my regular indy do the job but he winced when describing the process. I had a dealer trained moonlighter (who does this job every day) do the job for me on a Saturday. It took him 8 hours with the replacent seal costing $35. Total cost was $450. The going rate for the dealer in my area is $950. As most rms failure victims fare, I was lucky for someone who had seal failure at 80,000 miles.

Dan








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

not 'dealer trained' 850 1995

Unfortunately, this is not a "dealer trained" mechanic. Well, not volvo trained. He is VERY forthright about everything and, in that spirit, was quick to pt out that he hasn't worked on "that many volvos." hmmmmmmm

BTW, our RMS lasted just over 200k miles, so I guess I should quit belly-aching.
--
Two 1995 854 GLT's (w/ manual transmissions)








  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Rear Main Seal: estimated labor time published? 850 1995



RMS is a HUGE job especilly for one man. Tranny has to be dropped etc. I'd check out the local indie a bit further and probably go with him. If it leaks like the proverbal screen door on submarine after he's done, you probably won't be able to find the $35./hr guy. Just my $0.02

bl







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.