Had a minor leak, presumed it was the oil pan plug, having just changed the oil few days before. Surprise! Oil pan plug was bone dry. Instead coming from deeper in engine above my pay grade.

Took it in to a Euro mechanic who reported replacing a cam seal (solved). But, as is usual with mechanics, informed me of a new problem: both sides of angle gear sleeve are worn, and should be replaced. Showed me a photograph of worn teeth (supposedly from my car) and what they look like on a new set. Refused to send me the photo, which immediately aroused my suspicion.

Asked around with other Euro mechanics, and many said it was not something they even messed with.

A friend asked me if I felt slipping, said I never did. He advised to let it go until then. Seems reasonable because the mechanic explained this part only comes into play during 4-wheel drive situations, and those don’t come up too often.

So I’m just seeking other opinions as to how vital it is to have this problem seen to.

2001 V70 XC.

 

I think he didn't pull the angle drive out while replacing a cam seal.

 

Thanks for the response. To be fair, the leak did not immediately stop so, on 2nd go round, he went in deeper to look for it. He followed an oil trail, which he said was somewhat rusty.

Have other reasons not to trust this fellow, so interested only whether this part should be replaced before slipping, or it is okay to wait for that.

 

The picture is not from your car. There's no way he pulled the angle gear just to check the sleeve for you.

As for it not working all the time, the sleeve is always in use. The front axles, angle gear and prop shaft are always spinning. AWD is controlled at the rear differential.