Is it advisable to change the gear oil in the manual transmission 98 S70, and if so how often and can I do it myself without a lift - instructions in Haynes involves having the car raised but level. I usually use ramps for maint. I bought some jack stands but I don't trust them they seem very flimsy.

I change mine every 100k (98 V70 280k). I get the special oil from the dealer. I have a lift, but you could jack up the left front, remove the tire, then lower the car so it is approximately level as though the tire were on.

You DO want to change the manual trans. oil occasionally. There are different opinions on interval, but I suggest every 30,000 miles (as per BMW recommendations in the old days before "lifetime" fluids and the era of leasing). Sorry I can't help with how to raise the car; my mechanic does fluid changes like this on my cars.

Wow every 30k? The car has 170k with original gear oil in it so that would be a bit over-due :) The 100k interval seems reasonable, Volvo doesn't mention it at all of course. Hmm maybe I can work out something with the jack but I cant get under the car at all when it is not raised (suspension is original!).

I like Packard's advice with the floor jack. Measure the frame to ground, then jack up the car and remove the wheel. Then loosen both the drain plug and fill plug (drain plug will require a new aluminum crush washer - same as engine oil washer). Slowly lower the floor jack to the original body height, then reach under and remove the drain plug.
The car needs to be level for proper fill height.

100K interval sounds pretty good to me, unless you were to have teenaged drivers :)

Klaus
--
Common sense trumps a PhD

I'll have to find a level, paved surface to give this a try. OUr driveway is gravel, and sloped! When I change oil I put in a little low, then drive to a level spot and check to top up :)

THanks I will give this process a try.