Leaky clutch release cylinder, gearbox removal ?

[V40addict]

I again suffered a leak in the hydraulic clutch system. This time it's a leaky clutch release cylinder (part attached to the engine as far as I know).

Volvo wants to charge me a fortune for the repair saying the Volvo procedure entails the removal of the gearbox (there is allegedly a screw inside the box which secures the part, reason for the gearbox removal). Another mechanic had previously a cursory look at the car and in 2 minutes identified the leak and failure of the part, also confirmed by Volvo. But the first mechanic said it was just nothing , a simple operation. I asked him if it would maybe be necessary to change the clutch as someone warned me (too much pressure from the aging clutch causing repeating failures of the hydraulics) and he assured me , that I would not have to change the clutch. I guess he would have told me about a gearbox removal . On the other hand the Volvo guys talk about a (official) "procedure", and it sounded like they wanted to discourage me to get it done there (too many things that can go wrong during repair on these old cars they said).

[magnuz]

Which engine ? petrol, diesel, etc
Do you know which gearbox is fitted ?
If you have the volvo gearbox, then it has a concentric slave cylinder, which will mean gearbox removal to replace it.
If you have a renault gearbox, the slave cylinder is mounted on the outside of the gearbox & pushes against the clutch release arm, so no need to remove gearbox.

[V40addict]

Thanks ! It's a 2001 V40 petrol 1.8 L , I don' t remember for sure if its the Renault gearbox, I think it is.
An ex-employee at Volvo dealer is also telling me what Volvo told me was bollocks.

[magnuz]

If it's the renault gearbox, reverse will be next to first gear. Lift the collar on the gear lever push to left then forward to engage reverse.