My 1979 244 at 572,000 km (358,000 miles) with BW55 tranny has just developed a tranny front seal leak. Only leaks when driving and leak increases with speed.

If I go on holiday (in 2 weeks) can the seal suddenly die due to prolonged highway driving so dumping all ATF when I am 300 miles from home? Otherwise car is only good to collect groceries?

Also I am seeking opinion on whether its worth repairing a tranny with this high mileage. It will cost around $500 for replacing seal and O-ring and extra $300 if torque converter snout has to be fixed due to wear. I paid ($600)to have all(?) tranny seals and engine rear main seal replaced at 430,000 km. Paid again ($500) to have engine rear main seal replaced (again)at 555,000 km. Concerned that if I get tranny front seal fixed then other bits will fail soon like rear seal or bands or fluid body or bearings etc at $500 to $1000 a pop. I spoke to 2 general Volvo mechanics and 2 tranny specialists but none will tell me an average life of a BW55 based on their experience as they want the repair work.