Tranny Leak

[colindo94]

I noticed a pretty large leak coming from between were the tranny bolts up to the block. It started out of nowwhere and I havn't noticed any difference in driving. No change in shifting. What could this leak be and how can I fix it. Any ideas.

 

[Mud Bug 94]

the rear main seal...drop the tranny and oil pan and its the ...well rear main engine seal.

 

[BrooklynBay]

So this is ATF, or engine oil? If it's ATF, then it's the front seal in the bellhousing.

 

[Burns]

Oh nice...what kinda oil...Either way it seems that the tranny will have to come out to fix it. could be the rear main oil seal or could be the front pump seal for the tranny.

 

[colindo94]

Its ATF for sure. SO your all saying I have to drop the tranny to fix the seal?

 

[Mud Bug 94]

yes.. in the case of atf you need to drop the tranny but i have no clue where to go from there.

 

[Burns]

It sounds like a front pump seal in the tranny. I have done this once but mine would no longer seal. Wait till BrooklynBay post again. He is pretty smart. I think that the tranny needs to come out before more damage is done.

 

[colindo94]

Thanks guys....If anyone has any imput I need it because I no nothing about tranny's. Help me out.

 

[cgriffin_5139]

Ask Glacier991 hes the trans guru he can tell you, plus hes in sac.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The front seal is in the bellhousing behind the torque converter. So the transmission, transfer case (4X4), and torque converter would have to come out. I would suggest that if you are already doing this you should replace the rear main engine seal, and the crankshaft to flywheel spacer. Sonnax makes one out of billet steel. The Ford version is made out of powdered metal, and is brittle in comparison. Here is a picture of it:

Your spacer has 6 holes. Check the links in #2, and #9 in my signature for more information.

 

[colindo94]

Would this also be the best time to rebuild my tranny. I like a lot of the stuff that Glacier911 did in his 4ALD Diary

 

[Burns]

You will have it out...

 

[colindo94]

Yea perfect chance...Know of any rebuild kits I should use. Good ones that will have most of what I need. Any other products I need for this rebuild. I want to do it right while I have it out. Its time for one anyway.

 

[Burns]

talk to BrooklynBay or Glacier911 for some good info. they will most likely be able to help you.

 

[Glacier991]

Your leak is likely the front pump seal, though the TC is a possibility, though more unlikely.

Do a search on front pump seal.... they are a problem child in the A4LD and lots has been posted on here about them.

If you plan to do a rebuild, I'd replace the sprags, consider reaplacing the rear case race, replace the planetaries (new welded front if you can find one), do the Sonnax upgrades and of course replace all frictions and bands.

Replace the bellhousing bushing and have it turned.

Just replacing the leaking seal (if that IS it) will usually result in another seal failure soon down the road.

 

[colindo94]

Hey thanks a lot for the info. Have any ideas how much all these upgrades will end up costing me? Any ideas on websites I could get this stuff from? O and I love the A4LD diary.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com.

 

[colindo94]

Alright so now that I have researched the topic a little more...I have relized that this front pump seal is no easy task in replacing. And a bit risky because I really don't want to put the bushing in and put the tranny all in place and find out that its still leaking. And I want a long lasting tranny with no leaks. So I think I should pull the tranny and have the old bushing pressed out and the new bushing pressed on. I think this is what glacier911 had done with his bellhousing? So my question is what kind of shop would be the best for doing this task and about how much will it cost me to have done? Thaks for all the info so far.

 

[colindo94]

Sounds like just replacing the seal is no good. May as well do a rebuild while im in there i supose.

 

[Glacier991]

Omega Machine in Sacramento will swap out your bellhousing for one with the new bushing installed and turned in place for $125 (last time I checked). Make sure you use their installation tool and install the pump right there while you have the tool so that it is centered. They slightly undersize the bore and the FORD pump alignment tools won't work.