C5 Corvette Automatic Transmission question
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Dacula Georgia
C5 Corvette Automatic Transmission question
Hello Everybody,
Im new to the forum and a fairly new C5 Corvette owner. I bought a 98 Corvette with approx 105,000 miles. I have gone through all the things I can do. I put new brakes all around new belts and pulleys and a new water pump. While under the car I noticed it was leaking transmission fluid. I took the car to Aamco to get it checked out. I was told it was the seals and that I should also do the differential seals since they would be easy to change at the same time. I got a price of about $1000. I called a local Corvette specialist (near Atlanta) and was given a price of about $1200- 1400. I then called another Corvette shop and was told I should just have the transmission rebuilt since it was being taken out, for a price of $2400.
i have no problems with the transmission shifting and the car is not driven hard. I just need some honest advise about what direction to go.
Thanks in advance for your expertise and help.
ggillis122
Im new to the forum and a fairly new C5 Corvette owner. I bought a 98 Corvette with approx 105,000 miles. I have gone through all the things I can do. I put new brakes all around new belts and pulleys and a new water pump. While under the car I noticed it was leaking transmission fluid. I took the car to Aamco to get it checked out. I was told it was the seals and that I should also do the differential seals since they would be easy to change at the same time. I got a price of about $1000. I called a local Corvette specialist (near Atlanta) and was given a price of about $1200- 1400. I then called another Corvette shop and was told I should just have the transmission rebuilt since it was being taken out, for a price of $2400.
i have no problems with the transmission shifting and the car is not driven hard. I just need some honest advise about what direction to go.
Thanks in advance for your expertise and help.
ggillis122
Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 536
Likes: 2
From: Brisbane Queensland
Welcome to the forum and may you enjoy many trouble free miles from your C5. BTW, it's "advice", not advise.
"I have no problems with the transmission shifting and the car is not driven hard. I just need some honest advise about what direction to go".
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I would go with the Aamco service. Just make sure they know how to safely lift a Vette without doing any damage. A sound investment would be a set of lifting/jacking pucks to carry in the car.
"I have no problems with the transmission shifting and the car is not driven hard. I just need some honest advise about what direction to go".
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I would go with the Aamco service. Just make sure they know how to safely lift a Vette without doing any damage. A sound investment would be a set of lifting/jacking pucks to carry in the car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,291
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From: Oviedo Florida
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I agree--reseal. Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Get a set of books (shop manuals) and stay away from dealerships. When you HAVE a problem, come to the Forum for the fix. Sure worked for me over the last ten years.
And welcome to the Forum.
And welcome to the Forum.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 371
Likes: 20
From: Ft. Collins Colorado
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Duncan South Carolina
First off, if you can get under the car which it sounds like you can try and determine where the leak is coming from. 105,000 miles isn't that much anymore and it may be something as simple as loose tranny pan bolts. Clean off, drive check repeat - if it is a seal problem then ask around to friends and co workers if they have any experience with local shops - a first hand recommendation of quality work is more important or as important as cost IMHO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I agree with party1999.
If you need to pursue a shop then I would recommend you first find out if AMMCO has a tech that has ever done a C5 or C6. I would speak to that tech to discuss the work to find out if you have confidence or not.
If they drop the rear too much the manifold can hit the firewall and damage the vacuum takeoff there.
I agree you might consider the diff seals also.
With regard to using the Corvette specialty shop, it sounds like more money but it is also like buying insurance against having issues.
If you need to pursue a shop then I would recommend you first find out if AMMCO has a tech that has ever done a C5 or C6. I would speak to that tech to discuss the work to find out if you have confidence or not.
If they drop the rear too much the manifold can hit the firewall and damage the vacuum takeoff there.
I agree you might consider the diff seals also.
With regard to using the Corvette specialty shop, it sounds like more money but it is also like buying insurance against having issues.
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Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Dacula Georgia
Trucker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma City OK
Please don't take your C5 to AAMCO. That's a little like taking your wife or significant other to McDonalds for an anniversary dinner, you'll regret it sooner rather than later! Find your self an honest, experienced Corvette mechanic / technician. This forum is a great place to start. I use an experienced Corvette guy here and even he has learned from information I brought to him off this forum.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would not go to AAMCO. They may replace the seals, but they will come up with all sorts of other things that they say the "needs right away". Not just the transmission leaks, but they will push brakes, shocks, tune-up, and whatever else they can think of.
They might even push replacing the trans itself as did the one Corvette shop.
Find a reputable shop that has experience with the C5 or even C6 drivetrain. Contact a local Corvette club and see what the members might recommend for a trusted shop.
For the diff seals, try cleaning the area where leaks are visible. Drive the car for a week or so and check the area again. That will give you an idea of how bad the diff is leaking and you can make a better decision at that point.
They might even push replacing the trans itself as did the one Corvette shop.
Find a reputable shop that has experience with the C5 or even C6 drivetrain. Contact a local Corvette club and see what the members might recommend for a trusted shop.
For the diff seals, try cleaning the area where leaks are visible. Drive the car for a week or so and check the area again. That will give you an idea of how bad the diff is leaking and you can make a better decision at that point.