Volvo SX drive. Leaking. Why no gasket?

[iammarcuse]

I have a new to me 1995 Volvo SX drive on a 3.0L motor. I pulled the drive to check the gimbal which I could hear growling. It was worn out and a little rusty. There was a little water in the bottom of the bellows as well. The bellows themselves look in perfect shape. However, whoever had the drive apart last put it back together with an old distorted gasket that was not fully sealing. Water could have traveled up from the exhaust bellows. (The o(ish)ring on the water intake looks old as well) Upon checking the servce manual, these drives don't even use a gasket.
1) How does the water stay out of the gimbal bellows without a gasket? Is it by the u-joint sealing against the inside of the bellows.
2)How do I figure out where the water is coming from?
3)Other than the o-rings and gimbal, what else should I replace?
Thanks for your help.

 

[iammarcuse]

Re: Volvo SX drive. Leaking. Why no gasket?

Any thoughts here? I guess I need to at least change the u-joint bellows and gimbal bearing...

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo SX drive. Leaking. Why no gasket?

Actually, the pinion gear bearing carrier nose seals up against the ujoint bellows, gaskets and orings have nothing to do with it.
If there was water in the bellows, there are only a couple of things that could cause it. The bellows is one. If there are no holes in it, then the area the drive pushes on may be pushed in and not sealing any more. Those bellows should be replaced after about 5 years, and that is one reason for that. There should also be grease put on the nose of the carrier so it slides into place up against the bellows instead of pushing it a little one way or the other. The only other leak that could happen is if the plastic tube for the gimbal bearing grease zirk comes out and allows water in.
The orings go on the shaft, and the "VW Bug" shaped ring goes around the water passage. No other gaskets needed.

 

[iammarcuse]

Re: Volvo SX drive. Leaking. Why no gasket?

Thanks Don, that's exactly the answer I was looking for. You are a gentleman and a scholar!