Dear ChrisS,

Hope you're well. I had to have a rear main seal changed on a '93 940. While this is a four-cylinder engine, the process is the same as for the 960. The driveshaft is disconnected from the transmission. The transmission is removed, to allow access to the seal housing. There's no reason at all to disturb the engine.

While the tranny is out, I'd change the tranny's front seal, simply because the seal is cheap and accessible. I'd also change the tranny's tailshaft seal.

This job can also be done by a transmission shop, where most will know how to remove the transmission.

I'd use genuine Volvo replacement seals, especially since You plan to keep these cars for a long time.

It is also necessary to address the crankcase over-pressure problem, that likely caused the seal to leak. Once the new seal is in place - and the crankcase ventilation system is in good order - I'd switch to synthetic oil.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook