M5OD Tranny: how much input shaft play is normal? | Ford Explorer Forums

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M5OD Tranny: how much input shaft play is normal?

scott.475

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City, State
Washington State
Year, Model & Trim Level
'94 4wd Explorer
I guess I will address a couple questions here.

1st: Some weeks ago I noticed my tranny started making a ticking or clicking noise while in gear. The noise sped up as the car did. Has anyone else eperience this, or know what it might be?

2nd: Today I finally got around to pulling the tranny out to see if I could see anything obviously wrong. When I got under there I saw black oil was dripping out the bottom of the bell housing, and was all over the inside of the bell. I'm guessing this is from a leaking input shaft seal? But, why would it be black? Maybe getting scorched up in the clutch, the spraying around the inside? I don't remember any severe slipping of my clutch, but I might not really know what that is even if I did feel it. The tranny fluid was also quit low, which is another reason I'm thinking the shaft seal is leaking, and I did not see any other obvious source. I cleaned out the bell then stood it up on the bell in the garage to see if any leaking occurs. Any other thoughts?

3rd: When I had the cover off, I spun the input shaft to see if any obvious source for the ticking presented itself. I did not see any obvious damage or scorching of anything inside, and the fluid was still red. Spinning the shaft, most of what I heard seemed like the normal meshing sound of gears, though I did also hear different, more subtle noise, I think it was coming from the lower shaft. I really don't know how to describe it, not grinding, but not normal meshing. Any ideas what this sound might be?

4th: How much play should I expect from the input shaft? I could wiggle it maybe 1/4 inch or so.

Thanks.
 



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im not expert but i just did mine because of the same problems you have www.southwestgear.com can help you with parts . i did got a front end kit an a few bearings
 






When I got under there I saw black oil was dripping out the bottom of the bell housing, and was all over the inside of the bell. .

Its engine oil. Your rear main is leaking. I had the exact same situation.

EDIT: I just remembered the shift rail plugs, that could be where the tranny fluid is leaking. Do a search, its common.
 






Its engine oil. Your rear main is leaking. I had the exact same situation.

EDIT: I just remembered the shift rail plugs, that could be where the tranny fluid is leaking. Do a search, its common.

Yeah, I will definitely check the rear main. I did replace the rail plugs with the press fit metal ones a few years ago, so I know that is not the problem.

Anyone have any thoughts on the ticking noise I hear coming from it?
 






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