Background: My mother-in-law just had her 89 740 auto trans (141,000 miles) into the local Volvo indy for oil service and had them give the car a good going over to see what else it needed. I've personally verified pretty much everything they say needs to be done. One thing they noted was "O.D. Solenoid leaking oil - L. Shifter seal leaking". I know for a fact that the the trans IS leaking, witnessed by the stains on her garage floor for some time now. The O.D. works fine. The same shop replaced it about 1-1/2 to 2 years ago because it wouldn't kick in until the car was good and warm. It has worked fine since that repair although I believe that's when the leak started. I'll admit we (I?) were a bit remiss in not bringing it to their attention right then, but hey, you no how it goes. I have enough on my plate keeping both of our own vehicles rolling. Anyway, that's neither here nor there now.

Questions: Since the OD works OK, can I assume that it's just an o-ring or the like that needs replacing? Also, what might they mean by the "L. Shifter seal". I'm guessing there are two shafts that exit the trans, to which the linkages attach, and one of those leaks. What's involved with these repairs? What would you pay to have them done?

Note: They've also noted that the rear trans mount should be replaced at a cost of $108. (I recall paying something like $17 for the mount and spending about 30 minutes to replace it on my wifes 90 740.) It could very well need to be replaced at 141,000 and 14 years old. But if you were the one having to replace the aformentioned seals and possibly had to drop the cross member anyway to get at things (I don't know if this is necessary or not) wouldn't you be more than happy to pop a new mount in there for $108?

I might mention that I've used this shop in the past myself. They do top notch work, have been doing Volvos for many years, and really know the cars - It just so happens that they don't give their work away.

Comments?