1G Output shaft movement -> Trans leak?

[AlphaAssault]

About a year and a half ago, I had to take my GSX in to replace the output shaft seal in the transmission. The mech said the old seal looked fine, and that there might be some play in the output shaft, though he couldnt feel any after tugging on it. He simply told me i need to keep an eye on it; which I have. All was going well until last night when I discover a large puddle of trans fluid under my car, leaking in the exact same way it did 18 months ago. My question is, what inside the transmission could move about and cause the output shaft to shift? Is this common? Is there a fix short of dropping the trans? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[donniekak]

Make sure the steel ball that holds it in place isn't missing. If you remove the end case, vcu snap ring, and vcu, it will be in 1 of 2 holes in the end of the center diff.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I was reading up, nd this seems the most likely explanation. Can this be fixed without dropping the trans? Preferable by replacing the steel ball, but i also read something about a ball bearing.

 

[EvoRage]

it is very very easy to lose those ball bearings if you are taking the transmission apart. I had this happen to me, luckily the ball only costs like a dollar or something from mitsubishi. It is possible to replace it without dropping the trans, you just have to remove the end case and then take of the viscous coupler. It's not too hard if you are a proficient mechanic. I used VFAQ to help me do it.

 

[donniekak]

I would make sure that is the issue. If the ball is gone you can pull the shaft right out. Make sure the driver axle is seated all the way in the trans, and that the leak isn't there.

 

[casperfast]

sound like the trans is coming back out

 

[AlphaAssault]

it is very very easy to lose those ball bearings if you are taking the transmission apart. I had this happen to me, luckily the ball only costs like a dollar or something from mitsubishi. It is possible to replace it without dropping the trans, you just have to remove the end case and then take of the viscous coupler. It's not too hard if you are a proficient mechanic. I used VFAQ to help me do it.

On what page of the VFAQ did you find how to do this?

EDIT: or could someone direct me to another site/explain to me how to do it my self? Though I am competent with a wrench, Ive never worked on a trans before.