Transmission Leak

[fulfilledstraw]

I know, I know, original title. So yes, I, like so many others, have a transmission leak on my A4LD '92 Explorer. It's 4x4 if that is of any relevance. It has been there since the vehicle came into my possession, and has always been a very slow leak. I have just been keeping an eye on it, and adding as needed on a monthly basis. I have noticed that it has gotten a little worse; sitting overnight after I changed my engine oil (changed to synthetic), there was a larger than usual amount of tranny fluid that had leaked out. It seems to be coming from the bolt on the piece of metal to which the shift cable attaches. Is there a seal there that needs to be replaced, or can that bolt simply be tightened? I know little about transmissions, and I know this one was rebuilt at 100,000, and it now has 206,000 on it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The seal could be replaced, but you have to disconnect the lock nut, and pull the pin in the bottom of the case to get the shift arm out. The pan has to be dropped in order to get to these parts. Be extremely careful trying to pull that pin out. I once broke a case this way while rebuilding one.

 

[Glacier991]

Let me know if you decide to do this. I can walk you through the only reliable method I have found to remove that pin.

 

[BrooklynBay]

After that experience with the case, I used a nail instead of a pin on the new case. I bent the top of it into a groove where it sat nicely. I know that the rebuild manual states to use the end of a wire cutter to grab it. You could snip it off if you apply too much holding pressure. The way they say to do it is to grab it by the corner, then pry at an angle lifting it upward.

 

[fulfilledstraw]

Thanks for the advice. I am planning on dropping my transmission pan next weekend to do a partial fluid change, so I suppose it will provide me an opportunity to get rid of this bothersome leak. I know the seal needs to be replaced, but I don't what I would call it, or where I could find it. I've used rockauto.com before (great site), but I don't know the part for which I am looking. Does "shift shaft oil seal" sound right? I am at the mercy of your expertise.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/Ford_transmission_seal_p/210-000021405.htm.