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Transmission leaking @ Transfer case shaft

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Probationary Member
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1
Dec 3, 2013
Montpelier, Vermont
('97 GSX) A few weeks ago I noticed transmission fluid leaking off my tcase and realized it was coming out between the tcase and transmission. At first I thought it was a simple axle seal leak fix so I dropped the tcase and this is what I saw. When I pulled the tcase off that shaft also popped out about half an inch and trans fluid started pouring out. It took me a little to realize I could push the shaft back in which slowed down the flow almost to a stop. Does anyone know what that seal in there is called and how to fix this problem? I'm guessing the transmission will have to be removed to get in there.

Thanks!

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Can be done without dropping the trans?
its been quite a few years, but if memory serves me correct soldave and I changed one on his car with the transmission on...and it was not a pretty sight but it held.

The hardest part is getting the seal past the flywheel (or flex plate). You might be better pulling the transmission.
 
its been quite a few years, but if memory serves me correct soldave and I changed one on his car with the transmission on...and it was not a pretty sight but it held.

It is much easier to do it with the transmission off. The hardest part is getting the seal past the flywheel (or flex plate).
Isn't there a ball bearing that holds that shaft in place? Maybe that ball missing which is causing it to leak, not the actual seal.
 
The transmission well need to be removed and disassembled. If the shaft has more than a half inch of in and out play the bearings inside the trans are worn out. Normal play is about a 1/4".
It probably was just 1/4", I didn't have to push it very far. I was just estimating since I didn't actually measure it. The trans only has about 1,000 miles on it so I don't think the bearings are worn out.
 
It probably was just 1/4", I didn't have to push it very far. I was just estimating since I didn't actually measure it. The trans only has about 1,000 miles on it so I don't think the bearings are worn out.
Well if it's a new tranny then something is seriously definitely wrong with that seal. Some seals have a hole in them for air I guess idk. If the seal isn't installed with the hole at the top it will leak. Seen that issue with An axle seal.
The seal should be able to be changed by (after removing the old one) lubing the seal and seal area and using lite taps around in circles with a 1/4" extension and small hammer.
 
Well if it's a new tranny then something is seriously definitely wrong with that seal. Some seals have a hole in them for air I guess idk. If the seal isn't installed with the hole at the top it will leak. Seen that issue with An axle seal.
The seal should be able to be changed by (after removing the old one) lubing the seal and seal area and using lite taps around in circles with a 1/4" extension and small hammer.
I plan on dropping the trans tomorrow, is this the part i need http://www.extremepsi.com/store/product.php?productid=21551 ?
 
Hey guys, thread revival! =)

I have the same leak as this guy with the auto gsx transmission 95'
I'm just wondering if this is the same seal I need if it only leaks when the car is on?

When I say leak, were talking a quart of atf goes in. No drips, then I start the car and I have half a quart on the ground after about a minute of running.

I don't care for auto low mile car and would like to just fix =)
 
You are all assuming the leak is coming from the output shaft. If the leak is indeed the input shaft, the end case can be removed ( at least on a manual). The VC is removed so that the output shaft can be removed. Yes, the detent ball should be there and carefully put aside. If the ball is missing, there is nothing keeping the output shaft in. There is a natural amount of in-out play on the output shaft. When the shaft is removed, the leaking seal can be removed allowing for replacement. Be careful when putting the removed parts back on the trans. There is the detent ball and reverse wave spring that must be put back in place before putting the end case back on with some RTV sealant.

For the input shaft, the transmission must be disassembled to remove it from within the case.

It could also be a crack in the case.
 
Do you know for sure you have the same leak? If so, that transmission will need to be dropped and fixed. Same as the person above did. The output shaft seal is installed from the inside of the transmission, under the pinion gear. It's a real pita to pull that stuff out while it's outside the car, I couldn't imagine with the transmission installed.
 
Here is the output shaft seal job done with the transmission on the car. I assure you, it is not difficult to do.
Confirmed leaking output shaft seal:
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End case to remove:
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What is under the end case:
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Necessary parts removed:
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Output shaft removed to replace the seal:
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Last edited:
Shaft has 0 play. This is the automatic Awd transmission if that matters at all.

The fact that it doesn't leak until I start the car is what bothers me thinking it's not this output seal but I'm no dsm guru and thought I'd ask the pro's :D

Other research says it may be the fluid pump seal.

Anyway I plan on dropping the transmission out, just would like to go in with correct replacement seals on hand.

I appreciate the reply guys.
 
Shaft has 0 play. This is the automatic Awd transmission if that matters at all.

The fact that it doesn't leak until I start the car is what bothers me thinking it's not this output seal but I'm no dsm guru and thought I'd ask the pro's :D

Other research says it may be the fluid pump seal.

Anyway I plan on dropping the transmission out, just would like to go in with correct replacement seals on hand.

I appreciate the reply guys.
Sounds like you have an issue with the bushing, and seal in the trans pump. It's a cheap fix, but you have to pull the trans.
 
Alright hopefully I'll be able to get the parts for it.

Is this the seal you're referring to?
There's also a bushing for the pump too.

Glad my problem doesn't sound farfetched LOL
 

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