Transmission leak

jlong · 01-22-2010, 08:42 PM

Today I replaced the control arm, sway bar bushings, end link bushings and strut mounts. I replaced the outer tie rods a couple weeks ago.

Well I noticed on both sides the side of the transmission is dirty and on the passenger side it is wet. About 3 years ago I had the drivers side seal replaced under warranty and it's leaking again.

I am really tired of working on the car now and was just wondering if it it a real hard job or should I get it done at a shop? About how much would it cost to have done? I already need an alignment so I could have the seals replaced then get the alignment.

My Alero is a 2004 2.2L with 92K mi. Would it be worth getting rebuilt CV shafts while I am at it, or have these rebuilt?

Thanks!

zzyzzx · 01-22-2010, 09:14 PM

IMO, with 92K on them and if you are getting it aligned anyway, I'd replace the axle.

I use the NAPA rebuilt ones.

jlong · 01-22-2010, 09:28 PM

I'm kinda leaning that way too. Replace everything and hope to get another 100K out of it.

So what about the seals? Is it a hard job? I have replaced the front main oil seal on my Colorado. I guess I can't imagine it's too much harder than that. I will check prices and sleep on it tonight.

Thanks.

jlong · 01-22-2010, 09:46 PM

I'm looking for the axle seal and I'm having a hard time. I guess this is a dealer item. This is the part number I found, 8644709 but can't verify it with gmpartsdirect.com

The axle shafts don't seam too high. I think I may go ahead and swap them. Does the hub and/or bearing have to come off to do that or can I just unbolt the axle?

Cliff8928 · 01-23-2010, 01:30 AM

If the boot isn't broken, I wouldn't replace the axle. The originals are usually far better than the replacements.

jlong · 01-23-2010, 09:54 AM

The boots are in what appear to be good shape. They are still rigid and no visible wear or tear. They aren't making any noise.

I think you just helped me talk my self out of buying new ones or reman ones.

I think what I'll do is have the trans filter changed and the fluid topped off. But have them tell me what the current level of the fluid is first. Then wait till later in the year to have it fixed.

Obviously it's not a bad leak because there are no spots on the driveway, so I think I'm good for now.

I must say I really want to punch every GM engineer in the nose who designed the transmission this way and approved the design for not putting a transmission dip stick in this car. My cavalier was like this too. What's the reasoning behind this? Save a few dollars...

zzyzzx · 01-25-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliff8928

If the boot isn't broken, I wouldn't replace the axle. The originals are usually far better than the replacements.

I've had axles with perfectly good boots go bad. Seeing as to how they are all made in China these days, 92K is probably already worn out.

jlong · 01-25-2010, 12:02 PM

How do you know if they are worn out? I don't think they make any noise and the don't have the typical clicking when turning. The drive train is smooth and quiet.

zzyzzx · 01-25-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlong

How do you know if they are worn out? I don't think they make any noise and the don't have the typical clicking when turning. The drive train is smooth and quiet.

In my case on one axle the grease leaked out past the band. In the other case it had more play than it should have and my drive train wasn't smooth. Changing out both axles made it way smoother. It was the type of situation were I was rebalancing the tires pretty often and no longer getting any results.

jlong · 01-25-2010, 03:07 PM

Hum. I'll keep all that in mind especially if the tires start to feel unbalanced even after I get them balanced.

thanks.