I have an oil leak where the transmission meets the driveshaft. problem?

[Elemental]

yes. Where the driveshaft goes into the transmission. I see that oil has been slung all up on the underside and when left parked, it looks like it drips about 5 drops per hour.

what is the deal?

[JeromeS13]

You have a leaking seal. Replace it.

[Elemental]

yeah I figured it was a seal. hopefully not the dreadded REAR MAIN SEAL!

but seriously you know which part? I have the FSM.

[JeromeS13]

Yeah. Its the main one in the rear of the transmission.

[JeromeS13]

Probably the one on page MT-4 of your FSM.

One hour, tops.

[jday240]

I replaced mine in about five minutes the last time my transmission was out. If you pull the driveshaft ( two 17mm bolts in the centerbearing housing and 4 12mm at the rearend) you can change the seal with the transmission in. Keep in mind you will lose most of the gear oil from the transmission when you pull the driveshaft...have something nearby to catch it. (Now you can refill with Redline!) Use a gasket pick or equivalent to remove the seal and clean the surface before you replace it. I spread a little 90 wt on the seal after I put it in (my transmission was drained completely before I put it in for less mess).

Also the best way to fill the transmission is through the shifter opening. Just remove the shifter knob,trim, and boot. The rubber boot is held on with 4 10mm or 12mm bolts remove it also. Now check rubber seal boot around the shifter to the transmission. If it is cracked or leaking get a new one as it keeps dirt out and gear oil in. To remove there is usually a ziptie around its base...cut it carefully. Now put the shifter in reverseand look for the snapring inside...remove it and you can pull the shifter out. You may want to replace the nylon bushing at the shifters base if it is worn. Pour the gear oil in through the shifter opening... not sure of the amount so check the FSM also. Replace everything in reverse order. Now take it for a spin and buy yourself a cold one and have one for me,too (I don't drink).

[Elemental]

wow some very intelligent and helpful responses!

thanks a lot guys

that driveshaft was a bastard to get on there too! sucks I have to take it off 48 hours later

[jday240]

Never had a problem with the driveshaft... slide it into the transmission and support the rear section. Bolt up the center bearing section and put one bolt through the rear section to hold it in place. Have a friend put the car in gear while you tighten the bolts and in neutral as you rotate the dshaft for the next and so on...should have mentioned that earlier.