Volvo Maintenance Hints for 7xx/9xx - Bill Garland's Nuclear ...

It's a big job, not for the faint of heart. I do almost all my own work but I'm not sure I'd do
this one again. Might pony up the $350 next time and let somebody else do it. I'm slow,
and I had problems along the way so it took me probably 12 hours total. Having done it
once, I think I could do it in 6-8 hours now. I hope this helps, or at least entertains,
someone.
[Notes from Paul DePres] Nice write-up Chris. Allow me an addendum.
Stubby box wrenches come in handy for getting the top tranny to engine bolts. The 30" socket
extension is necessary for torqueing the bolts, but the stubbies work well for getting them loose
and started back in. I removed the ATF lines at the tranny only, and did not have the problems
with leaking fluid everywhere. If you plan on removing the seal carrier from the outset, and are
not planning on replacing the tranny input seal, then you can leave the exhaust alone; you don't
need as much room.
My new Volvo seal still leaks a little bit after several months. I don't know what I did wrong. I
used emery cloth to clean the periphery of the crank prior to replacing the seal housing with the
new seal. I was very careful, but will probably get a second chance this fall.
Volvo Maintenance FAQ for 7xx/9xx/90
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