Leaking Transmission Fluid

[Marccus]

Another leak:

I am leaking transmission fluid, but I'm not quite sure where it is coming from.

I installed a new shift shaft seal (say that fast three times) twice and a new boot for it.

I didn't have the right tool the first time and the seal still leaked. I concluded this when I squeezed the boot and was squirted in the eye with a stream of transmission fluid from the little ****** that lets air out when the boot is compressed upon shifting.

After using the correct tool to install the 2nd shift seal, the boot collects no fluid, although the shaft shows a film of fluid. Maybe it's still leaking?

Laying on the ground on my back with my feet sticking out the fron of the car, the fluid collects and drips where the transmission housing and clutch housing meet. I'm not sure if I am describing this correctly. But the housings are held together with something like 10 bolts.

Looking up at the transaxle shaft exiting the housing, this is very wet with fluid and there is a white plastic seal? that is very visible to the eye. This has a lot of fluid on it. So when the shaft spins, the fluid may get tossed everywhere.

I had a new clutch put in and they replaced some gasket or seals - front gasket/seal? - something like that.

The mechanic at the dealership always does a good job on my car for heavy engine items like clutches so I don't think he screwed up.

This could be a different seal that has seen it's day.

Any suggestions for diagnosing this problem.

Thanks, sorry, running out of time.
thumbs_u

 

[sdpatt]

The output shaft seals (Timken 3622S) from the transaxle are only $2.99 at AutoZone. It's the removal of the knuckle, driveshaft and halfshaft that makes it more of an effort. My passenger side seal is leaking too, but a few ounces of ATF transmission stop leak has slowed it down tremendously. Now I can schedule the seal replacement for a more convenient time.

 

[Marccus]

Well, I looked in the manual and saw what was involved and it would be a big job for me. I may need help from a friend who is much more skilled.

I have too much to do now - cam seals and valve lash and the leak isn't really bad.

I'll give the sealer a try. What type did you use or do you recommend?

Actually with 266,000 miles, it amazes me that parts that have rotated millions of times (or seals that have been subject to this) last this long. Everything just seems to be ganging up!

One thing that scares me is my water pump. My first one went at 99,000, just under my extended 100,000 mile warranty.
(You should have seen the look on the face of the service adviser at Ford when I snuck in for a new pump by 1,000 mies. He just smiled, laughed and called me one lucky SOB).

But this second pump has over 166,000 miles. That just doesn't make sense to me. I figured it should have been long gone by now. But I'll just keep knocking on wood and keep my fingers crossed.

Thanks Scott.

You 'da Man!

 

[shojuan]

Marccus:
One thing that scares me is my water pump. My first one went at 99,000, just under my extended 100,000 mile warranty.
(You should have seen the look on the face of the service adviser at Ford when I snuck in for a new pump by 1,000 mies. He just smiled, laughed and called me one lucky SOB).

You sure were lucky. Awww, poor Ford, they had to make good on their extended warranty. Why couldn't they just steal your money and give you nothing in return they ask? I'm glad you got your money's worth on that one. Good going! thumbs_u

But this second pump has over 166,000 miles. That just doesn't make sense to me. I figured it should have been long gone by now. But I'll just keep knocking on wood and keep my fingers crossed.

Well if you've been performing cooling system maintenance on a regular basis I could see the pump lasting a very long time. Especially if you are using a silicate free coolant. A water pump won't last forever but if you consider that most people run the same coolant for years and years and years before changing it, doing it more frequently ought to improve the life expectancy of the pumps significantly.

Rick

 

[snowwind1990]

ATF transmission stop-leak...let's hear more about this.....may have a leaking passenger-side seal on Snowwind or worse(CV Boot ripped/split)....I couldn't sleep tonight thinking of this very thing....and dreading the removal of all those old original parts(well some are any way)!
Where, what and how...is all I want to know...I'll try it. I still have to go under him in the daylight to see what I already suspect( the splash is visible on the inside of the rim)
Ma Ma M

 

[Ian]

I may have had the same problem. After changing both output shaft seals, still had a tranny leaked. Checked and thought it might be the o-ring at the tranny to speedo shaft connection. Went to take it apart and the speedo cable just pulled out of the tranny. Looked at it and found the aluminum tubing had corroded right through. Went to ford and got a VSS for abt $30 dollars canadian,abt.20 american, put it in (what a pain in the ass) and no more leaks. Been dry ever since. BTW book calls for removal from below with a crows foot, but I did it with a stubby wrench from above.Let us know how it turns out. Best of luck. Ian R.

 

[sdpatt]

I used about 2-3 oz. of Gunk Transseal. I would guess that it slowed the leak to about 1/4 or less of its previous rate.

 

[Marccus]

But this second pump has over 166,000 miles. That just doesn't make sense to me. I figured it should have been long gone by now. But I'll just keep knocking on wood and keep my fingers crossed.
[/qb][/QUOTE]Well if you've been performing cooling system maintenance on a regular basis I could see the pump lasting a very long time. Especially if you are using a silicate free coolant. A water pump won't last forever but if you consider that most people run the same coolant for years and years and years before changing it, doing it more frequently ought to improve the life expectancy of the pumps significantly.

Rick[/QB][/QUOTE]

I keep my coolant system fanatically cleaned and flushed, backflushed, etc.

I was thinking installing a coolant filter, but I installed a John Deere Coolant eye instead. It has a connection to backflush and is designed to trap the smallest of particles by a centrifugal action.

There is a diagnostics sheet which will describe what is going wrong with your coolant system based on what is settling and how the flow pattern looks.

They are used religiously by the farm people on tractors, combines, etc.

Best $18 I spend.

thumbs_u

 

[rangerj]

You say your leaking transmission fluid and you do not know where it is comong from! UH, transmission maybe?

Seriously, check where the axels enter the transmission. The axel seals are a common source of leaks.

Next, check between the back of the block and the "bellhousing" (front of the trans where it meets the engine. The output (aka first motion shaft)also has a seal that has been known to leak.

Check where the speed sensor is attached to the trans. There is an "O" ring seal that occasionaly leaks.

Check everywhere there is a gasket where parts of the transaxel are joined, or have an access cover.

Lastly, "look for the wet spot"! I know someone out there is snickering right about now.

Ma Ma M,

Look for grease around your inner fender liner. If it is splattered with grease it is an outer CV boot that has split, or was cut by road junk.

If the joint has not been exposed to water or dirt for very long, you could remove the joint, clean it out, and replace the boot and put in fresh CV joint grease.

In fact, you can change an outer CV joint boot without pulling the axel out of the trans! Just give me a haller if this be your druthers! I'll gladly help ya, caus your a girl! It's the gentlemanly thing to do! rangerj

 

[Marccus]

OK, OK, don't bust my balls! flip_off

I'm knew at this stuff and the shop manual is no help.

Leaking fluid collects and drips where the transaxle housing and the clutch housing meet.

The gasket where the bellhousing and engine meet has been replaced and is not leaking.

I think output shaft seals are leaking.

I have to get under her again (no pun intended) and see where the speed sensor is attached and determine if the the O ring seal is leaking.

CV boots were replaced not too long ago and are intact - no leakage.

thumbs_u