Loading...

Volvo 240 Engine Crankshaft Seals

Volvo 240 Engine crankshaft seals

Starting at $5.95, AutoBuffy stocks 4 engine crankshaft seals from Timken, SKF, and Elring for the Volvo 240. A crankshaft seal prevents oil from leaking out where the crankshaft exits the engine block — front and rear. When it fails, oil escapes onto belts, the clutch, or the ground, leading to low oil levels, belt slippage, and serious engine damage if ignored.

Signs your Volvo 240 needs a new engine crankshaft seal

  • Oil puddle or drip directly under the front or rear center of the engine after the vehicle sits overnight
  • Visible oil coating on the harmonic balancer, crankshaft pulley, or timing cover (front seal) or on the flywheel/flexplate housing (rear seal)
  • Serpentine or timing belt soaked in oil, causing squealing, slipping, or premature belt failure
  • Burning oil smell from the engine bay as leaked oil contacts hot exhaust components
  • Unexplained drop in engine oil level between normal service intervals with no obvious external leak elsewhere
  • Clutch slippage or shudder on manual-transmission vehicles caused by rear crankshaft seal oil contaminating the clutch disc

Which engine crankshaft seal should you buy for your Volvo 240?

Crankshaft seals come in two positions — front and rear — and you must confirm which one is leaking before ordering. Beyond position, the key decision is seal material and whether to choose an OE-equivalent lip seal or an upgrade to a PTFE/polytetrafluoroethylene design, which lasts longer and tolerates a worn crankshaft snout better.

OE-Equivalent Front Seal (rubber lip)
Best for
Standard replacement on a well-maintained engine with minimal crankshaft snout wear
What you get
Direct factory-spec fit, correct lip geometry, straightforward installation — reliable choice when the sealing surface is in good condition
OE-Equivalent Rear Main Seal (rubber lip)
Best for
Standard rear seal replacement where clutch or rear oil pan contamination is the symptom
What you get
Full circumference sealing against the rear crankshaft flange; available as a one-piece or two-piece design depending on engine architecture
PTFE Upgrade Seal (front or rear)
Best for
Higher-mileage engines or those with minor crankshaft snout scoring or wear grooves
What you get
Harder, lower-friction PTFE material seats in a slightly different contact path to avoid worn grooves; longer service life than conventional rubber
Rear Main Seal Repair Sleeve Kit
Best for
Severely scored or grooved crankshaft sealing surface that would cause a new lip seal to fail quickly
What you get
Includes a thin stainless sleeve pressed over the worn crankshaft surface plus a matching new seal, restoring a clean sealing surface without machining

Engine crankshaft seals brands we stock for your Volvo 240

Timken
2 options · from $16.95
SKF
1 option · from $21.95
Elring
1 option · from $5.95

Replacing an engine crankshaft seal on a Volvo 240

Moderate (front) | Advanced (rear)⏱ 1–2 hours for front seal; 3–6 hours for rear main sealHarmonic balancer puller (front seal)Seal driver or installation tool sized to the crankshaftTorque wrenchPrybar or seal pick for removalTransmission jack (rear seal only)

Front seal replacement involves removing the crankshaft pulley or harmonic balancer with a proper puller, pressing out the old seal, and driving the new one in flush and square with a correctly sized seal driver — never hammer directly on the seal face. The rear main seal on most vehicles requires dropping the transmission to expose the flywheel and rear seal housing, making it a job many owners leave to a shop. In both cases, lightly lubricating the new seal lip with clean engine oil before installation prevents tearing the lip during fitment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace engine crankshaft seals on a Volvo 240?
The seal itself starts at $5.95 on AutoBuffy. Total repair cost depends heavily on which seal is leaking: a front crankshaft seal is often accessible in 1–2 hours, while a rear main seal typically requires transmission removal, making labor the dominant cost. Budget accordingly before deciding DIY versus shop.
What is the difference between the front and rear crankshaft seal on a Volvo 240?
The front crankshaft seal sits behind the harmonic balancer or crankshaft pulley and seals the front of the engine block. The rear main seal sits at the back of the crankshaft where it meets the flywheel or flexplate. They are different part numbers, different sizes, and replacing the wrong one will not fix your leak.
Can I drive my Volvo 240 with a leaking crankshaft seal?
Short distances are possible, but it is not advisable. A leaking front seal can saturate the serpentine or timing belt, causing sudden belt failure and potential engine damage. A leaking rear seal can contaminate the clutch or create a fire hazard near hot exhaust. Monitor oil level closely and repair it promptly.
How long do engine crankshaft seals last on a Volvo 240?
Most crankshaft seals last a long time under normal conditions, commonly well into six-figure mileage. Premature failure is usually caused by prolonged oil changes that degrade the rubber, crankshaft surface wear, improper installation, or exposure to engine sludge. PTFE seals generally outlast conventional rubber lip seals.
Do I need to replace other parts when replacing a crankshaft seal on a Volvo 240?
When replacing the front seal, inspect and often replace the harmonic balancer, serpentine belt, and timing belt or chain tensioner if they have been contaminated with oil. For the rear main seal, inspect the rear crankshaft journal surface for wear grooves. If an oil pan gasket or timing cover gasket is already disturbed during access, replacing it at the same time avoids a repeat job.
Why did my crankshaft seal fail prematurely on my Volvo 240?
Common causes include neglected oil changes that harden the seal lip, excessive crankcase pressure from a clogged PCV system pushing oil past the seal, a worn or scored crankshaft sealing surface, or a seal that was incorrectly installed without proper tooling. Fixing the root cause — especially a faulty PCV system — is essential before installing a new seal.

Shop engine crankshaft seals by year for the Volvo 240

1993199219911990

More parts for your Volvo 240

Engine Timing Cover GasketRadius Arm BushingCoil Spring SetEngine Conversion Gasket SetElectric Fuel PumpIgnition CoilEngine Timing Belt TensionerControl Arm Bushing

Engine crankshaft seals for other Volvo models

Volvo 242Volvo GLEVolvo 265Volvo V40 Cross CountryVolvo VNLVolvo V60 Cross Country