I think I need the rear main seal replaced 99 XC70 car has 180K. We love this car.
If I do it, should I use dealer, I am in Providence so it would be Tasca. Or an independent shop. any thoughts?

Thanks

First, verify that the oil is coming from the rear main seal. Sometimes it is oil that runs down the block, from the rear cam seal or even the turbo drain line (both of those are easy fixes). Removing the transmission and flywheel is a tough job, lots of billable mechanic hours. The estimates are probably going to be more than the car is worth, or close to it.

Have you ever cleaned the oil separator - PVC? If the pressure in the crankcase gets too high because of a clogged PCV, that is what causes the seals to push out and leak. If you haven't done this yet, do it first.

As to mechanics, Tasca is a dealer and charges dealer prices. Get an estimate from a local Volvo mechanic and compare them. Both places will quote a full day of labor.

The leak is mostly on the Passenger side, so maybe its not RMS. I have only had the car 2.5 yrs so no cleaning of PVC yet. I leave the dip stick out a bit hoping that it may relieve son pressure, I am sure its not, but it makes me feel better.
I have a good Volvo guy a few towns over. I guess its time to bring it in.

If it is on the passenger side, take off the timing belt cover and make sure it is not one of the front cam seals. It should be completely dry under the cover.

Given the age of the car, one of the oil cooler lines might be leaking.

Will check Sat.
My other car 99 V70 (non XC)has very bad out of camber rear wheels. One yr the rear tires are ruined, worn down to the belts. Car has never been in an accident, but I do carry a lot of heavy stuff for work. Who should I bring this to. Tire guy says go to a frame shop.

Tire guys don't know squat! I don't know how much you carry in the rear, but the springs probably are getting soft. Look at these:

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/8817/120080-rear-overload-springs-p80-850-c70-s70-v70-fwd

And look into replacing the shocks/struts on all 4 corners. At least the rear should be replaced. Replacing rear springs/shocks is easy to do.

Then check the alignment. If the rear tires make a noise like snow tires, then check the wheel bearings.

Nothing wrong with the frame.

I will check the springs,
I took a good hard look at the oil leak on the XC, Dripping from the vibration damper, but I cant see the source. I cleaned every thing off and still a small drip appears on the rear pass. corner of the damper (my driveway is not level). Almost like its leaking from inside the vibration damper. The silver box under the bevel gear (Link to photo)Its leaking from the seam. I know its probably dripping down from somewhere, but I dont see the obvious source. I am going to have to do a real good job of cleaning to get a look at source.

Go ahead and remove the vibration damper, you can drive without it for a while. If the oil comes from the bevel gear housing, then you need to flush the oil very soon. The oil just might be dripping down from somewhere else, like the turbo drain line.


As to the oil cooler lines, if that is where the oil leak is coming from then replace them soonest.

BTW, Simple Green and a little water will remove the oil nicely.

After looking at some on-line photos, the two hoses going into the oil cooler dont look stock.

I found this photo on Ebay of a stock unit with proper hoses.
My hoses look like heater core hoses, no plastic lining. and are held on with screw clamps

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/99-00-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-Volvo-V70-S60-S80-XC70-XC90-Oil-Cooler-OEM-/00/s/OTYwWDEyODA=/z/zjUAAOxyVh5SITyb/$(KGrHqV,!qsFIdM5J4(gBSITybh8Ng~~60_57.JPG

http://volvospeed.com/Pics/repairpics/2008pics/V70XC_bevel_gear_oil_change_002.jpg

If it is leaking on the passenger side it's probably not the RMS, but oil can drift. Have you checked the front camshaft area yet? That's on the passenger side near the timing belt. You may need to remove the timing belt cover to spot it.