Transmission leak
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Twentynine Palms CA
Transmission leak
My 72 vette seems to be leaking where the shift control cable bolts into the side of the transmission. I checked the bolt that's holding the cable in place and it seems pretty tight. I looked at the AIM and it seems pretty vague. Anyone ever dealt with this issue before and what do I need to do to get it resolved? I guess it leaks about 10 drops a day. No issues with the shifting just annoying having to refill and check the fluid every week.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 2,579
Why would a automatic transmission shift control cable bolt into the side of the transmission? A shift control cable moves a lever on the outside of the transmission. Are you looking at the speedometer cable? If so there is a externally replaceable seal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
If you are referring to the area where the shift shaft connects to the shift linkage on the side of the transmission, then YES there is a seal on the shift shaft just behind that linkage. If the trans has not had work done in that area before, you can fix a leak at that seal by removing the retaining nut and pulling the linkage off the shaft, using a deep-well socket that has a diameter just a bit smaller than the seal casing diameter [and will still fit over the shaft without interferrence] and driving the existing seal to the bottom step in that bore (about another 1/4 to 3/8" deep), then cleaning the bore and shaft and installing another seal over the shaft and into that bore. The new seal must go deep enough for the seal lip to be riding on the shaft journal just below the flats machined on that shaft. And, use some Vasoline or light grease to lube the shaft (only) while being careful that the edges on those flats do not slice/damage the seal during installation. The "paint" on the outside of the seal casing is really a sealant that prevents leakage from the outside of the seal casing when it is installed.
