chstitans42

So below my 81, there is a large puddle of trans fluid. I thought it was the pan gasket, and I replaced it, and even though it did help, it still leaks, and I have narrowed it down to the shifter shaft seal. It is where the shift linkage goes into the transmission. i believe I have found the right replacement seal, just have heard I needed a puller to pull and install the new one. Does any one have a link to where they sell these? I looked on the local auto parts stores and they dont have them that I can tell.
here is the part:
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0071&ppt=C0338

7T1vette

Remove the shift shaft lever (nut holding it to the end of the shaft), then see if you can drive the old seal further down [using a properly sized piece of tubing or deep-well socket that will not scuff/damage the surface of the shaft]. There is room for two seals in that bore. Most repair shops will install a new seal OVER the first one. Doing so, in no way, compromises the integrity of the new seal nor the operation of the shift lever or the transmission. It's just a LOT easier to do.

If the seal will not drive further down in the bore, it probably IS the 2nd seal and both will need to be removed to install a new one.

When you install the seal, be very careful NOT to slice the sealing lip on the edges of the flats at the end of the shaft. Also, drive the sealing lip to just below the end of those flats, and keep it perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (not cocked).

Good luck.

chstitans42

If I am reading this right, this means I wont have to drop the pan etc? Do you know off hand what the correct diameter tubing would be to drive down the first seal and install the second?
Also, is the seal I got at the auto parts store (see link above) the right one?

7T1vette

If I remember correctly, I think I used a 7/16" deep-well socket to drive the seal deeper....and to install the new one. But, I'm a "senior citizen" and can't really remember what I had for breakfast. So, don't hold me to that exact size. You just want the interior of the socket to clear the shaft (so it doesn't damage the surface) and the OD to be just slightly smaller than the OD of the seal.

Also, the "paint" on the OD of the new seal is really a sealant. If you clean the I.D. of the transmission seal bore with a good solvent before you install the new one, that paint/sealant will prevent any leakage around the outside of the seal.

chstitans42

I will try this first, and I hope it works. It will save me alot of time etc. If not, then I will try the by the book way. Thanks!

mds3013

Hey, Ben. 7T1 is on target as usual. Use what you have that fits within the outside dia. of the seal and also clears the shaft. I am repeating the old man. Oh wait, that is me also. mike...

chstitans42

IS the seal installed metal surface in our out?

7T1vette

The 'open' side of the seal should be installed to the inside.

procketus

Snap on tools has these for r&r of those seals. I've got one and comes in handy.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

TimAT

If you cut a strip of paper about 1" wide, grease it and wrap it around the shaft it will protect the seal as it goes over the threads and flats on the end of the shaft. I've found it easy to roll it, place it thru the seal, and work the seal over the shaft, when it's past the flats, work the paper out, then drive the seal.

0Willcox Corvette

The seals on a four speed car can be removed easily by removing the cover and the shafts.... and then the seals.

But on the Automatic cars, I would only remove the seal with the proper tool.

The issue comes to this when you use the shaft as a fulcrum to pop the seal out. This will, in most cases score the shaft. Once you score the shaft you will then have to remove the shaft from the transmission for repair or replacement.


http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27817

IMHO,

Willcox.

mark6669

Tool is a KD 2393 should be able to find one on Ebay for around $15.
Mark

noonie

That shaft is very, very soft and scratches very easily, so be careful.

Almost all places that list the tool will backorder it or call it unavailable after purchase.
Snapon or eBay is about the only choice.

chstitans42

I bought one from ebay, so we will see how this job goes in a few days when I get it. Thanks for all the help guys! This forum is great.

7T1vette

A sturdy ice pick will pop the shift shaft seal out. But, you have to know how to do it so there is no shaft damage.

carjack007

I bought one on ebay a few months ago and it did not work. It was too large on the end to get in the old seal. They gave money back. Hope you have better luck! I made a "seal puller" out of a piece of piano wire and it worked pretty good.

Bob

Jim@useaat.com

Oreily’s

Mooser

hopefully he's got it taken care of by now
M
(related thread gets another one maybe...)

7T1vette

Yep. 8 years is a long time to fix a shifter shaft seal.....

C6-CYa

LOL, really, EIGHT years later???