Just brought the wife's 88 244 Sedan Auto to the tranny shop to diagnose a problem with leaking fluid...a lot of it.

First off let me say I'm a DIYer but I'm busy flipping our rental over, and trying to live a little this summer, so I loath being under the car for 2 hours doing the job myself. And yes I brought this on myself. =-D

Anyway loosing a lot of fliud at 173,000. I figured it was the seal / bushing for the output shaft. I was right on that (thank you brickboard) but the mechanic told me that there is an 80% chance that I also might have a problem with a bushing further forward in the trans, which would require dropping the tranny and fixing.

He told me that there is a lot of play in the driveshaft...which seems to be the reason why we all know to replace the seal / bushing. He didn't try to convince me to do this, but was very adamant that I might find replacing the bushing and seal a futile effort. In his words, "you might find it leaking just as much driving out of the parking lot after we repair it."

OK, so my questions. Is this just a disclaimer by trans guy that if he fixes it and down the road it leaks to cover himself? Was he trying to scare me into spending hundreds (thousands?) of dollars more? Or is this a sincere worry that I might not be able to fix the leak by the very common procedure of installing new bushing / seal?

I've read nothing about doing this work and not fixing the problem (pending that the DIYer screws something up). I've spoken with multiple shops that say they just do the bushing / seal and it is "usually" cleared up.

What should I think? Trans shifts great, not slipping, never run low on fluid since we've owned her. All in all the car is built, as we say, like a brick. No other problems with the rig but soon to be new ball joints.

What do you all say?

Thanks for the reply,

Sincerely hoping I know this answer

Just doing the bushing and seal fixed my 89 right up. I would just get that done a see what happens. Don't really like their downer attitude about it though. Maybe get somebody more up-beat about it to do the work? it's not a good sign.
Charles

Just got back from the trans shop. $250 for the bushing, seal, yoke and labor. Didn't want to fight about the yoke being bad since the cost was reasonable for the whole deal. I got the old parts back (seal shot bad) and they claim to have road tested it and it isn't leaking. Been pouring here all day so I can't really get a good eye on it, I'll take a genuine look tomorrow.

Worst part is that the guy said to me, "I really hope this holds out and works for you." When I questioned him about the statement and that he seemed to be creating a disclaimer for further problems he stated, "We're honest guys here and I just hope everything works out, it's only logical that since one bushing was failing there is another to come." What a downer.

So what do you brickboarders think? What are my chances of being ok for another bunch o' miles? What are other mileages you guys/gals have replaced these seals?

Thanks again!

You'll be fine. I can see you've taken good care of the car. It is obvious you've kept up with maintenance, leaks, kept things clean, and the transmission fluid looked fresh and clear.

I'll bet you really wanted this job to enjoy for yourself, but sometimes life's priorities get in the way of pleasure, so here's your new seal and bushing, installed, and back to you. Everything went as you said it would, but the yoke had a bit of a groove forming, so we got you another. If you notice anything in the next few weeks, bring it over any time, and we'll run it right up on the lift and take a look. It was a pleasure doing business!
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.

Thanks Art! That's what I wanted to hear.

Appreciate it!

I think at this point you just want it to stop leaking and it appears that has happened. If there is something else wrong, which I doubt it may not show up for a long time.
Dan

Sounds like a fear tactic the government is currently using. Have them replace the rear bushing and rear seal and INSIST that they hand you the old worn out parts! After all, that's the only way you will know they actually did the work!

The additional "work" they are scaring you with is virtually unheard of!

jorrell
--
92 245 278K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

He is correct about the repair but you don't need to remove the trans to replace the bushing and seal, just drop the front of the driveshaft.
Dan

I think the tranny shop guy is talking about more work inside the transmission, which would require removal. I would just go with the classic tailshaft bushing and seal repair secenario, and go from there. These trannies seem to be fairly bulletproof (at least under stock horsepower and reasonable driving habits) with the exception of this seal/bushing issue.