Transmission Issue

Bxx1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:23 PM

Recently had my tremec 3550 rebuilt (bad 2nd gear) and since the re-install of the trans it leaks oil from the rear seal. The rebuild included a new rear seal. The rear seal was replaced today with a somewhat "better" seal and after driving it home from the mechanic (about 15 miles) there was a small puddle under the rear seal area on the garage floor, with about the same amount of oil as before. Does anyone have any ideas what the problem is and how it can be fixed? Thanks in advance.

wanab5150 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:40 PM

Hey Ron,

Option #1 MAKE HIM RE-DO IT UNTIL IT'S NOT LEAKING. Take it back as many times as you have to and have him complete the job until is is correct. If he refuses to make it right, take it to someone else, have it repaired, and take the bill to him. If he refuses to pay for the repair then Small Claims is the next step.

Option #2. If he won't be reasonable, sit in front of the business and contact customers as they approach with your story. It's legal and since it's open to the public he can't make you leave and neither will the Police. I guarantee he will either give you the money back or fix it. If you need help call me, I'll go with you! It's how reasonable people deal with un-reasonable people.

Gunner · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:46 PM

Stuuuupid question, but I have to ask: are you SURE it was a new puddle?

bobcowan · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 09:11 PM

Is there a groove in the output shaft? If so, you can install a repair sleeve to give the new seal a new surface to run against.

jrjmac1 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 10:41 PM

Hey Tom,

It's great to see you in a festive, holiday spirit.

PANAVIA · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 01:25 AM

are you SURE the leak is not the Speedo cable port / hole ->?

- as that will drip down and LOOK like the rear seal leaking.

Steve

RICK LAKE · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 05:21 AM

Bxx1 Buying a dye leak kit would be the first thing. Put the car up on jack stands and run it through the gears a couple of times. It could be coming from the top cover plates, speedo gear housing hole, rear extension housing gasket or yoke seal.
Since you blew up 2nd gear, I am going with a possibility of hard driving or too much power for this trans. If you are 100% sure the oil is coming from the rear yoke area, see how much play you have when you push up and down on the drive shaft in neutral. There should be maybe 1/8" total any thing more and the bushing is worn out in the tail housing. Is it possible that the case is overfilled and blowing out the vent hose or tube?
The other thing would be to mic the yoke and check for the correct outter tube spec. It could be worn. The bushing is designed to wear out and not the yoke. Some yokes are not made of the right materials. The seal even beening rubber also could wear out a groove in the yoke and also cause a leak.
Down the road if you keep the car you might want to look at a better trans like a TKO 500 or better a 600, and should n't have to worry about breaking 2nd gear again. If you add the repair bill up 2-3 times you have enough for the new trans. See Bylins for a price, he's cheaper than Summit or Jeg's and stand behind what he sells. Rick L.

madmaxx · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 08:44 AM

Many times the speedo cable will leak where the input shaft housing is crimped to the cable by the speedo gear, it usually results in drips and not puddles but during removal and installation it may have made it more suspetible to leak.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANAVIA

are you SURE the leak is not the Speedo cable port / hole ->?

- as that will drip down and LOOK like the rear seal leaking.

Steve

wanab5150 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 10:26 AM

If it didn't leak when you took it to him then it shouldn't leak now. Don't screw with it AT ALL if you had a mechanic do the work. If you so much as loosen a screw he can then claim the issue was something you caused. I'm assuming you had to pay this .....if so make him fix it.

Take it back...period. ....Shut up JMac, You're going to the shop with us Mejo!! Merry F%^$ing Christmas

tcrist · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 05:50 PM

Ron,
I still have that 3550 here if you need it for parts.

jwd · #11 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Is there a groove in the output shaft? If so, you can install a repair sleeve to give the new seal a new surface to run against.

I assume you meant a groove on the driveshaft yolk since that is what the seal contacts. The most common cause of seal failure is a "dry install". Everything has to be pre-lubed or the seal will fail in a matter of seconds.

Jim

wanab5150 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 09:19 PM

It was lubed ....at least the second time.... according to Ron

thudmaster · #13 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 10:57 PM

Ron, my friend Dennis (spf0995) says that the first thing you (they) need to check is did they install the correct seal. Like Tom says if it wasn't leaking before then they did something wrong.
Tom, your are really feeling this..........Yeah I will go with Ron and you to protest. I guess I can bring my dog. He doesn't like anyone either..........

wanab5150 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 12:05 AM

Bring your dog for the neck...I bring my Shih Tzu's for the heels.

Bxx1 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 11:00 AM

Thanks everyone for the feedback. The drivetrain has never leaked any oil and this leak very frustrating. The fact that the seal was installed 2x and that the 2nd seal was slightly different from the 1st ... and it still leaks! I want a dry garage for Xmas!

Bxx1 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcrist

Ron,
I still have that 3550 here if you need it for parts.

Hey Terry,
Thanks for your offer....I might need it. Can the rear seal be reused??

tcrist · #17 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 11:34 AM

I have no idea if it can be reused or not. My experiance is that you might not be able to remove it without damaging it.

Don · #18 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 11:41 AM

Would Tremec be of any assistance ?

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/home/home.asp

http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...us/contact.asp

wanab5150 · #19 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 01:17 PM

Ed (thudmaster), I guess were the only two on this thread that have the common sense to give the advice to take the thing back and have the shop that he's ALREADY PAID fix it! Touching is will void any warranty.

Randy Rosenberg · #20 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 01:43 PM

Tom, I agree w/you. So, there are now 3 of us! If the repair was not performed properly, then it should be returned until it is.