My 1990 240 DL Wagon has developed a transmission leak. It appears to be leaking from where the kick down cable enters the transmission. I am hoping someone might be able to help with a few questions.

1. Can you buy the seal for the kick down cable separately or do you have to replace the entire cable?
2. How difficult is it to replace the cable. I know this depends on your mechanical ability. I am not an expert, but have good experience (replacing suspensions parts, bushings, master cyl, etc.).
3. Any tips or tricks?

If anyone has any photos, that would be helpful. I found one website with some photos, but there were not very clear and the instructions left me with more questions than answers.

I appreciate any help.

Thank you,
Ed

The kick down cable seal comes on the cable when purchased and I’m fairly certain it’s not sold separately.
The seal is also what keeps the transmission end of the cable stable. It enters the tranny case in the back and top on the passenger side of the case (as you may know). To me it seems an unlikely place for a leak. If I suspected that location I would clean it up real good and monitor it for a couple of hundred miles.
There are pretty good instructions in the FAQ of this site for changing the cable. It’s a sloppy and thankless job. My tip is this: don’t even think about attempting to disconnect the dip stick tube from the tranny pan. It’s what I call age welded. Mine is the same year as yours and when I went to disconnect the tube I caused it to leak and wound having to get it welded. None of the stop leak stuff or JB Weld worked.
Another tip? Do not bother with a caulk gasket if you take the pan off. They are total crap.

Good advice!

Personally, I would thoroughly clean the tranny and then drive it for awhile to locate the source of the leak. It is more likely leaking at the cooling line seals or perhaps the tailshaft seal.

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95 855 GLT Sportwagon 216k, 90 244 DL 300k - after 11 years has a new home