I just changed out the control arm and drive axle on my 94 850 with manual transmission. After reading all of the posts on "how-to's"...I'm excited to say I was able to do this myself (with a bit of help from a neighbor) in just about 6 hours. I am a complete novice, so I was happy with that time...especially after reading how people can change these out "with 2 hours in the moonlight." Maybe one day...

My question is this:

I saw quite a bit of posts on how I would lose 1/2 to a quart of oil from where the axle fits into the transmission. In reality, I lost only about 2-3 oz. I'm concerned with driving prior to refilling, but not sure if this is enough to really worry about. I just need to drive over for an alignment, and then was considering just flushing the transmission next weekend. I've read that this is simply 10w30, and to fill to the level of the top plug.

Can I make it for a week with that slight loss of oil? Am I on the right path? Am I overthinking this? Thoughts? Thanks!

 

I'd top it off just to make sure. What if it was low before you started? Transmission damage wouldn't be worth such an easy thing as pulling the plug and using a quart bottle and a hose to get it in there.

 

Definitely follow you...I was thinking the same thing about it not being all the way full. I've decided that I want to replace the left control arm and both the sway bar links prior to the alignment, anyway...so I might as well do the flush while I've got her up on stands.

Can anyone recommend the proper oil for the manual transmission? Do I need the special Volvo synthetic stuff, or will my Castrol GTX do? I remember seeing a thread about a mile long with a debate on this topic...hope I'm not opening up another can of worms!