Seal Replacement

Oil leaks often result from worn axle seals and/or worn speedometer drive seal and O-rings. Replacing these seals is fairly simple, as it can be done without removing the transmission from the vehicle.

Axle Seals

The axle seals are located on the sides of the transmission case, where the splines of the inner axle shaft ends engage the differential gear splines. If you suspect an axle seal is leaking, raise the vehicle and support it on stands. If the seal is leaking, you will see a streak of oil on the side of the transmission case, below the seal.

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the axle shaft (refer to Subsection 8.3).

2. Carefully pry the seal out of the transmission case bore using a screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the seal bore, otherwise the new seal will leak.
3. If the seal cannot be removed with a screwdriver, use a special seal removal tool (available from auto parts stores or automotive shops).

4. Using a seal installer or a section of large-diameter pipe as a driver, install the new seal. Carefully position it in the bore and make sure it is seated fully and squarely.
5. On the A132L transmission, the fully installed seal must be flush with the transmission case surface; on the A240L, the fully installed left axle seal must be 5.16 mm below the case surface, and the right axle seal 3.175 mm below.
6. Lubricate the lip of the new seal with multipurpose grease, then install the axle shaft (refer to Subsection 8.3). Be careful not to scratch the lip of the new seal.

Vehicle Speed Sensor O-Ring

The vehicle speed sensor is located on the transmission case.

PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the area around the sensor for oil streaks to determine whether the O-ring is leaking.

2. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector (indicated by the arrow), remove the bolt (indicated by the arrow), and pull the sensor out of the transaxle case.

3. Using a small screwdriver, remove the O-ring from the sensor and install a new O-ring. Be careful not to scratch the sensor surface or the O-ring groove. Lubricate the new O-ring with automatic transmission fluid to protect it during sensor installation.
4. Installation is the reverse of removal.