Tranny Leak

[duff]

Picked up a 92 last week. Not bad condition but needs work. One thing I was not happy to find was a tranny leak that appears to be inside the bellhousing. It's not pouring out, but I wonder how long before it does. Obviously it has to be pulled to be fixed. I'm in PA where temps have a wide swing between seasons. I wonder how much a factor that is. What what's an experts opinion on what seal it is and how long I can put it off it ?

 

[Joey P]

I'm not 100% sure but it is probably your front tranny seal if it's an automatic transmission. Their known to dry out and crack and then of course leak. If it's not a huge leak you could probably let it go for quite a while as long as you keep tranny fluid in it and don't dry it out. You will definatley need to get it fixed though. I have an uncle with a '93 explorer and his was like this for about a year before he got it fixed. (550 bucks to fix his.)

 

[mosinman]

leak

Yep, probably front seal. This can possibly be bad as front seal leak may indicate other problems. $425 to have it done here in Texas. The kit will come with rear seal and pan gasket also. I would fix it now to avoid potential disaster later. This assumes no other problems.

 

[duff]

Sorry ! Yes; an auto with 85k.

Everything else about the trany seems good. No slipping or shifting problems, OD is fine, Fluid is not red, but not burnt either. I suspect the fluid was never changed. It doesn't make sense to spend that much $ without doing a rebuild. Especially with my current $$$$ issues.


I have three questions

1) WIll a 50->60 degree temp change in a Pennsylvania winter going to affect this ?

2) Will a fluid change make the leak worse ?

3) This is an early 92(10/91). Is this year one that has the pinion bearing, shaft alignment prob that blows out new front seals quickly ?

 

[Joey P]

Okay to answer your questions,

1.) It shouldn't affect anything.

2.) Nah, it will only run out cleaner than before.

3.) Can't answer this one, Sorry.

 

[SteveVB]

3) yes all of the A4lds are plauged with the crank pilot wear, and pump misalignment problems. IMO replacement of the pump, seals and crank bushing should be mandatory if the trans comes off the vehicle. The converter pilot should be examined also.

If you are going to pull it to replace the seal its worth the time to check out everything.

The leak isnt a bad thing unless you lose lots of fluid, and casue the tranny to heat up. I have run mine with a bum seal for maybe 5-6000 miles. It is currently in the garage with the transfer case removed waiting for me to get some time to pull the tranny and reseal and replace the pump.

its not a hard job, but you have to take a few things off to get the trans out, and it just takes time.

 

[duff]

Thanks for the replys.

Called some local rebuild shops. $550 for the front seal, $ 1450 for a rebuild. This is a BIG OUWTCH since of course radius arm bushing are needed too.

It doesn't leak bad so I'm tempted to just let it go for now. I'm also tempted to get a core from a yard and do my own rebuild. The main thing I'm concerned with is doing the swap. I've read the board about trans jacks and removing the Tcase. I'm doing this on the ground. What are the major PIAs in doing a swap ?