tranny leaking?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,072
Likes: 75
From: Casselberry FL
tranny leaking? During some spirited driving, I noticed a haze all of a sudden starting to follow me. I pulled into a parking lot, but when I stopped, so did the fumes.
I backed up to find a puddle a good 8-12" in diameter which had formed in the couple of minutes I had parked looking things over. It was in the engine/tranny area. Didn't have a flashlight, so I drove it home. Seemed fine driveability wise.
I grab a flashlight and see another puddle forming right where my y-pipe merges. The entire catback was moist with the fluid, even the bottom of the stock muffler. It appears to be coming from the tailshaft of the tranny. The fluid color is red.
So, what could cause a seal to just blow like this? I mean, I've heard of a leak, but at this rate the tranny will be empty in the morning
I backed up to find a puddle a good 8-12" in diameter which had formed in the couple of minutes I had parked looking things over. It was in the engine/tranny area. Didn't have a flashlight, so I drove it home. Seemed fine driveability wise.
I grab a flashlight and see another puddle forming right where my y-pipe merges. The entire catback was moist with the fluid, even the bottom of the stock muffler. It appears to be coming from the tailshaft of the tranny. The fluid color is red.
So, what could cause a seal to just blow like this? I mean, I've heard of a leak, but at this rate the tranny will be empty in the morning
If the driveshaft is out of balance, it will cause the yoke to wobble and can wipe out the rear bushing in the tailshaft (the bushing blocks most of the fluid, the seal is secondary). If the bushing goes, the seal will go as well and it's going to leak. I'd check the bushing when you get it apart, I think a seal may be a temporary fix until the bushing is corrected (if it is bad). Look at the yoke for signs of rubbing the bushing and make sure there is not a groove worn into it.
My thoughts.
Kevin
My thoughts.
Kevin
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,072
Likes: 75
From: Casselberry FL
So if that's the case we can just drop the driveshaft and replace the bushing and seal without dropping the tranny?
I'd rather it be something simple like that than a broken tailshaft.
I'd rather it be something simple like that than a broken tailshaft.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,072
Likes: 75
From: Casselberry FL
Tailshaft bushing came loose and tore up the seal. Dealership's don't carry the bushing separate from the tailshaft extension ($360 at my cost). Stumbled upon one at a local parts store but it didn't include the dust shield. Installed it anyway, and had to add 3 qts of tranny fluid.
Now I just need to buy a gallon of carb cleaner and clean off my undercarriage, as well as the film on my rear bumper and spoiler.
At least it didn't do it at the autocross, which is 2 hours away.
Thanks for the tip, Kevin!
Now I just need to buy a gallon of carb cleaner and clean off my undercarriage, as well as the film on my rear bumper and spoiler.
At least it didn't do it at the autocross, which is 2 hours away.
Thanks for the tip, Kevin!
