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I’ve narrowed the source of my transmission leak to the shift linkage seal on the driver side of the transmission (there are drips forming on the linkage itself, as well as fluid running down to the front driver’s corner of the pan).
Can this seal be replaced with the transmission in place? Do I need to drop the pan? Remove the Y-Pipe? Get a special tool?
I don't remember dropping my exhaust when I replaced mine but I may have. The hard part is getting the old seal out obviously. I used a small flat blade screwdriver to get in there and work it out. Once out, just tap the new one back in with a socket the same outside diameter as the seal. You can use a long screwdriver placed between the tunnel and the socket as a pry bar to press the new seal back in. Don't forget to coat it with ATF before installing.
There is an inexpensive tool available to pull these seals out in the car. Some of the A4 experts may chime in here later with the tool brand and model number.
I can't get leverage to get the old seal out with the shift shaft in the way. Is it possible to easily remove the shaft by dropping the pan? Or is the valve body and transmission internals going to pose a problem?
KD makes one. I do not know the part number, but there have been many posts about it in the past. Try the advavce search feature, or check KD's website. I am positive KD makes one.
It is made by KD Tools and its model number is KDT2393. I just ordered it and it should be here next week. Looks like a breeze to use. Hopefully there won't be a clearance issue with the tunnel and the exhaust.
That's the one, no clearance issues. You will be glad you ordered it! Use the black GM pan gasket torqued to 90 lb/in I think it is. Be sure to check the dipstick tube grommet too.
I have removed them by poking a small hole in the metal part of the seal the inserting a small screw and pulling the seal out with pliers . This was out of the car I dont know how hard it is to reach in the car.
I can't get leverage to get the old seal out with the shift shaft in the way. Is it possible to easily remove the shaft by dropping the pan? Or is the valve body and transmission internals going to pose a problem?
No, it's not a problem. You can pull the pan and remove a clip and a 15mm nut from the linkage, and pull the rod out.
(It helps if you grind it a little where the rooster comb contacts the rod, inside the pan, before removal. It tends to "smoosh" out there a little.)
Its pretty easy especially if you have a lift. I did mine on jack stands and didn't have a problem.
I received the tool but it stops on the notched part of the screw and even after hitting with a hammer the tool won't go past the notch to come in contact with seal. Luckily napa has the tool which I'm going to bring the tool I have to make sure it's not the same. If it is I will use a step but to increase the size of the opening on the tool. But yes seal is easy to get to but hard to hit with a hammer due to exhaust is in the way.