Proper installation of FR Axle into Transmission (Help Needed) *FIXED*

[BREW]

Where to start. I have been having an awful transmission leak since I installed my new motor. It leaks from one place and one place only, the passenger side axle input. There is an oil seal there that I have replaced twice and finally with the correct factory oil seal, it still leaks.

I have since started to look at the axle to make sure that it is seating properly, as I believe this is part of the problem. When I go to take the axle out of the transmission to replace the seal, I have very little problem pulling it out of the transmission. It slides in and out very freely. Now I am not sure if the axle should be able to be removed this easily, I would think that it should lock into a groove since it has the circlip on the end of it.

My question is for anyone with knowlege of the passenger side axle and it's proper installation:

1. Are my assumptions that the axle, being easily pulled out, is incorrectly installed?

2. Should the axle "click" into place once its installed to the correct depth in the transmission?

 

[BREW]

I was able to get some decent pictures of the axel and how it sits in the transmission, so I can better explain my situation. These pics were taken from under the car looking up at the axle/seal. You can see pretty clearly that the axle just doesn't seem like it's all the way in. But before I start forcing it, I just want some confirmation that the way it sits right now is incorrect. Also, does the seal look like it's installed completely, or does it need pushed in to.

 

[housegsx]

You are correct. That is not completely in. 100% the problem. Sometimes it pops right in and sometimes you have to hit it in. Put a big flathead screwdriver in one of those groves on the inside axle cup and try to tap it in with a hammer.

 

[BREW]

Well I found out the problem, and the reason for the problem. From the picture posted above you can clearly see that the axle is not mounted properly against the oil seal, causing monumental amounts of trans fluid to decorate my driveway.

The reason the axle would not sit properly was because of the c-clip on the end of the axle. I believe on initial removal the clip expanded and therefore would not allow for the axle to insert beyond a certain depth. The picture below shows the axle installed properly. I removed the clip for this picture to show what it should look like. I plan to visit the dealer for the new c-clip tommorow, and for anyone interested the part number for that clip is: MB160387

 

[BREW]

You are correct. That is not completely in. 100% the problem. Sometimes it pops right in and sometimes you have to hit it in. Put a big flathead screwdriver in one of those groves on the inside axle cup and try to tap it in with a hammer.

Yes, exactly I didn't see your post, I guess I was posting while you were posting and my mojo and your mojo got cross-mojoficated and... thanks for the reply.