Help with Tranny leak

[mesa 33]

I have a little problem. i have a 98 xlt 2wd ex and the rear main seal where the driveshaft goes into the back of the tranny is leaking. Ive replaced that seal 3 times already and it still leaks. I dont know wut else to do or why its still leaking. Also i had a new driveshaft made becuz my other one was to small dont know if that has anything to do with it but just an idea.

Nick

 

[BrooklynBay]

Are you sure that the seal is leaking, and the leak is not coming from the overfill vent? There are 2 styles of seals. One is a flush type, and the other one has a deep boot. Maybe the bushing in the extension housing is damaged?

 

[mesa 33]

I think its the seal but im not positive. The leak looks like its coming from the bottom of the seal. The seal has a lip on it the when pressed inside the lip hangs over the end of the tranny and it has a boot thats kinda big and goes over the driveshaft. It might be leaking from somewhere else theres this metal block looking deal under the extension part i thikn thats what it is and theres usually fluid all over that and theres sum on the seal dripping and the rest sides down the driveshaft and drips wherever. Is there any way to tell if the extension housing bushing is damaged? Also how do you know if its the overfill vent, how long would it leak for?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You would have to remove the extension housing, and look for excessive wear. It would have scratch marks, and one part which is worn unevenly.

 

[Glacier991]

That seal is not ordinarily a leaker. I can send you one to replace it with... free... and loan you the tools to do it, with deposit, and you pay round trip postage. You will need to drop the driveshaft to do it. If you want someone else to do it I can still send you the seal, for postage.... prolly $3. I have a ton of em left over from rebuild kits used on 4x4's.

ps. there is no way to inspect the case output shaft bushing without a transmission tear down. Don't bother your self, just replace it.

 

[mesa 33]

Question if it was the extension seal would it be leaking where the extension bolts onto the tranny or no?

Glacier- What kind of tools are needed to do this?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The area with the bolts uses a flat, paper style gasket. The tools for this are not elaborate. I've used a $5 seal puller which looks like a straight bar with a hook on both ends to remove the old seal, and a piece of PVC pipe, and a hammer to install the new seal.

 

[Glacier991]

The area where the extension housing bolts to the tranny has a gasket.... I have never seen a leak there - but there is a first time for everything. Often hot ATF can migrate along a housing until it drips somewhere else making it appear as if the leak is at that location. Clean it good and dry it and check again to be sure if that is the site of your leak.

And BB is right, there are other ways to skin that R&R cat for that seal, the factory tools make it much easier is all. I wasn't trying to suggest that those tools are the ONLY way, at all - sorry if I gave that impression.

 

[mesa 33]

Nah thats fine I was just wondering if I needed something speacial or something like that. No problems at all, thanks for the help still trying to find it..

 

[Glacier991]

I can tell you that the factory tool for removal and replacement of thet seal make the job REAL simple.... if you decide it is the seal and you want a free replacement seal and to borrow the tools let me know.