transmission leak (pinion seal)?

[Justbeamn]

transmission leak ( front output shaft seal) help?

I've noticed recently that I have developed a small transmission leak. It's leaking from the seal that connects to the drive shaft u-joint, is this the front output shaft seal? Anyway to my question. I'm leaving for vacation this week and will not be taking it in to have it looked at before I leave. My trip will consist of 2,000 miles of driving with camping gear... . no camper or TT in tow. Should I try and worm it in to the dealer or carry a little extra transmission fluid with me. The leak is very small, maybe a quarter spot over several hours. Fluid level looks untouched and transmission temps are very low. I wouldn't even worry but I will be in some remote places by myself.

What transmission fluid does everyone recommend?



Any advice or recommendations appreciated.



Devon

 

[BK]

It's sounds like the seal for the output shaft for the front drive shaft. But it's not your AT, it's your transfer case.

It's not a hard repair. but you dont say if it's under warranty or not. If it is have the dealer do it.

I've never had my front drive shaft out, so I'm not sure,,, but it its anything like the rear drive shart and If your milage is real low, dont be surprised of they need to replace the front drive shaft was well. The finished portion that contacts the seal must be perfect or it just keeps eating seals. Thats what I went through with my rear drive shaft.



You should be checking the level of the transfer case, not the AT.



If you get under the truck and look at the back end of the Transfer Case, there are two large "bolts" (for loss of better words) with Hex female heads.

The upper one is the one that you use to check the level of the fluid and add fluid. The lower one is used to drain the transfer case. The fluid is supposed to be at the bottom of the threads of the top one, or within a half of inch is ok too.



Just use what your Owner's manul recommends for your year.





Bob

 

[Justbeamn]

BK, I was mistaken on my terminology. I'ts the rear drive shaft. And yes I am under warranty but I will be leaving to soon to go to the dealer. What type of fluid do you recommend for the transfer case.

Thanks

 

[BK]

My 99 uses ATF+3, check your Owners manul in the glove box and it will tell you what fluid is supposed to be in there.

As long as you get just what it says, dont worry about who made it, as long as it's a brand name. The spec , such as ATF+3, is supposed to grant capatability. And I dont blame you for not trusting a no-name to do the right thing, so just look for a brand name. Around here I can get Quaker State.



Since it's your rear drive shaft... you may have the same problem I had... a yoke with a bad finish... . They changed my rear seal twice, before they changed the drive shaft. . that solved it. My whole underside was wet.

I lost about a quart of fluid.





Regards,

Bob

 

[Mactruck]

look out!

Just a word of caution. I am on my third seal in 8000 miles and my dealer just keeps replacing it without finding out what the real problem is. Pester them to look a little closer as to what the problem is.



Good luck

 

[Bill Kondolay]

The rear seal on the transfer case leaks on about 90% of the Dodge rams that i have seen. Changing the real seal will not fix it.

The clearance between the bushing and the yoke is too great, the seal cannot contain that much oil. It's is not that the dealer is mis-installing the seal, it is the bushing that is the problem.

You can only get the bushing from Chrysler if you buy the entire extension housing.



I have asked a bushing company to redesign the rear extension housing bushing and they dont seem to think there is a market for it so they are un willing to do it unless i order a minimum of 1000. Thats a lot of bushings.

 

[Justbeamn]

Thanks guys, rather than take it to the dealer... which I prefer not to..... I will just keep an eye on it. If it starts dripping more than I will think about having it fixed... sort of?



I really apprecaite all of your valuable input!!!