Transaxle leak - need help

[mcrealty]

Took my car to the local AAMCO to fix a transmission leak. They replaced the inner gaskets. A two weeks later it was still leaking diff. fluid from the bell housing. They pulled the transaxle and did it again. Well, another week has gone by and it is leaking again.
Monday I am taking it back to try to figure out what is wrong. One thought by the shop is the passenger side axle it bad and blowing the seal.

Anyone with any thoughts or suggestions? How much would a new axle cost? Any where can I get one?

scott

[Kruisin Kat]

How many miles are on your cat. I find it hard to believe that the CV shaft has gone bad but I guess it's possible.

First, I would try an OEM seal and make sure that it is being installed with the correct side out.

In the past I have found NAPA has the best price on CV shafts, but they do not list one online. Autozone doesn't list one either.

Try one of the discount Mopar parts guys like Jeff Hunter etc...

Let us know how you make out.

[halicat]

and of course Randy here on the site at moparpart.com...

good luck with your fix..

[mcrealty]

28,000 miles thus far. I am sure they are not using an OEM part, as they state this is a typical 606 transmission (don't quote me on the number) and they only do transmissions so the get their seals where ever they get them.

Is there really a right side out on an OEM seal?

[Kruisin Kat]

Yes many seals have a front or out side. This may not be the case with this particular seal but I've seen so called experts install seals backwards before.

In most cases I try to use OEM seals.

Case in point: I raced motocross for a few seasons and when re-valving or freshening up the forks and shocks we always used OEM seals. Aftermarket ones just never could take the stress and pressures put on them that racing produced.

PS, Have them check that there isn't a burr or nick that may be catching the lip of the seal and damaging it. plus make sure that they are lubricating the seal and shaft when they are installing the shaft (to reduce the chance of damaging the seal). Once installed they can wipe the excess lube off the area.

[mcrealty]

Just back from the third 2 day stay at AAMCO. This time they used OEM gaskets and even changed the output shaft (so they say).


Time will tell if they got it right this time.
On a positive note. I smoked an RX-8 on the way home, both on the bottom and top end. I am running Prowler Pro gears and headers.

[Krzy Kat]

That's great ... too bad you can't beat a Candy with Lambo doors :nana2:nana2

[mcrealty]

Picked the car up from the third try at AAMCO, STILL leaking.

They say everything that can be changed has been changed and are dumb founded. I got my money back and am now going to try the dealer route.

[Dreamcast18]

Is there a Prowler Tech near u?

[mcrealty]

Closest one is an hour away. Trying to set something up to take it to Hope Sound, FL on Monday

[Dreamcast18]

Best of luck!! Keep us posted on the diagnosis!

[Krzy Kat]

Jim Bradley in Stuart / Hobe Sound is where I take mine. I hear he's the best.

But then again after breaking 3 belts, I decided to do them myself, and hasn't come off since.

[Kruisin Kat]

Update?

[mcrealty]

I went to a Dodge dealer recommended to me in Hobe Sound, FL (Massey-Yardley), about an hour away. I explained to them in detail over the phone what the problem was. I asked them what they would charge and they indicated they could not quote me with out inspecting the vehicle. I explained once again what exactly was the problem and asked if what I was saying was correct what would they charge? I had told them what I had payed previously and didn't want to waste time if they where going to charge an exorbitant amount. I could not get a price so I made an appointment.

When I got there they made me pay a $50 inspection fee. After an 1.5 hours will standing at the counter I asked the guy how long it would be, he punched some keys on his computer and said "it is a 16 hour job... about $1,600... we will need the car for 3 days... and they don't have the parts they need". All that and he repeated to me exactly what I had told them the problem was. He was not the most pleasant person either. I took me keys back and left in a very pissssssed off mood. I could understand why they couldn't have given a price on the phone before I wasted my day. Why knowing I was coming and at a minimum they would be doing a reseal, they couldn't have had the seals on hand.
I will never go there again. Tried a closer dogde (still not local), they wanted a $100 just to look at it. Their reasoning was their mechanic wouldn't look at anything else he was getting paid. All these guys get a percentage of the fees charge for the work they do with the charges being deemed by the labor hours listed in their computer. So if it says 6 hours, that what they charge you for even if it takes 30 minutes. What's to stop these guys and dealers charging a customer for work you really don't need? These dealers need someone to pull-in the reigns!
Still looking for a competent transmission shop. Hard to find when you're in a small town, people are only use to working on trucks and tractors.


Let you know when I find someone.

[TooHipCat]

Good luck Mcrealty!