Transmission rear seal

pinzinator · Post by **pinzinator** » Sat May 12, 2007 3:36 pm

I recently changed my ZF transmission oil using Redline 90. Anticipating a leak, I ordered a $6 rear shaft seal from Scott, along with some other miscellaneous parts. Sure enough, the seal is starting to leak. It looks easy to change when the driveshaft is removed. This time I anticipate that I am wrong, there must be a trick or special tool required. The repair manual doesn't show anything specific on replacement, so I'm hoping Dennis, Jim or anyone else can share their experience here.

Jim LaGuardia · Post by **Jim LaGuardia** » Sat May 12, 2007 4:40 pm

It's not hard, just make sure a worn bearing is not the cause.
You will need a thin wall socket for the flange nut, use a jaw puller or a hammer to tap off the flange. Pop the seal out ( I tap one end down a little to release tension and use a small prybar to pop it out) Be carefull not to knick the bore. Use cold Vasaline to pack the seal(prevents garter spring from popping off) also lube the seal lip leaving the outside diameter dry and install the seal by suitable meens(tap in with small hammer). Put it back together in reverse order

pinzinator · Post by **pinzinator** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:43 pm

Thanks, Jim. I'll ASSUME the bearing is good (there's no play) and change the seal. If it still leaks I can go back to the old oil or come see you, since you are only 40 miles away.

pinzinator · Post by **pinzinator** » Fri May 18, 2007 7:34 pm

The transmission stopped leaking, so I thought I would check the oil level to see how low it was. Turns out it was too full, according to the 'check level' plug. Somehow I may have added too much oil to begin with, but I don't see how because I followed the correct filling proceedure. The bottom of the rear seal is very close, horizontally, to the correct oil level, so I guess an equilibrium has been achieved. I'm going to leave good enough alone. It shifts great, by the way.