rkhegler

About a week ago, I posted a request to anyone who could help me identify a fluid leak around my 1999, C5, six speed transmission. Well, today I took it to the local Chev. dealership and had them look at the problem. They told me that it was a 15 hour job to take everything apart and lower the transmission to replace the sealant (about $1500). This included removing the rear suspension. However, they said since it was not leaking too badly, they could seal it from the outside by first draining the transmission, then cleaning the exterior casing and applying a new silicon bead around the seam. It was their transmission guy that I talked to. I had never heard of this being done before. I said OK for them to go ahead and try this and I will attempt to keep a close eye on the situation. Anyone else ever done this? Results?

ericdwong

Heck, if thats all they're going to do, I say you do it yourself. Jack up the rear of the car, drain tranny, clean off the bottom with brakekleen/gum cutter and then seal it up. I'm not sure how well it holds, but I did the "correct" repair myself. Took about 6 hours to do lowering the driveline.

rkhegler

I a little confused. Did you seal it from the outside or drop the tranny and do it correctly?

ericdwong

Dropped driveline and did it correctly. Well, more accurately- lowered the driveline, opened the tranny 1/2 up, to reseal.

rkhegler

Thanks, I will probably end up doing the same.

rkhegler

I forgot to ask, is there anything in particular I need to know?

davey1

15 hours to drop trans thats crazy

0SMOKNC6Z06

Geez, the dealer flat rate is only 10 hours to do a clutch. They are way too high. I have done clutches in C5's in 4 1/2hours.

RoHo

I had a friend that used to worked for Boyd's Hot Rod when in lived in LA and said that when they had a leak on the engine, trans or rear end when the car was completed they would drain what ever it was, thoughly clean around the part and use a large shop vacuum on one of the openings covered with duct tape so it wouldn't leak much air & turn it on and then run a small bead of silicone around the part that was leaking, pushing the silicone up into the part as the vacuum was running. Haven't had a leak to try it on my self but he said this method work far more times than not. I would sure be worth a try before you have to drop the drive train.

rkhegler

Did you have to remove the entire rear suspension to get at the work?

runamuk

The cradle is held on by 4 nuts, yes the rear suspension comes out but it's not a big job

C54DAZ

maybe this will help,

http://www.c5frc.com/DIY/ClutchInstall/index.htm

rkhegler

Absolutely fantastic. I do not need to remove the transmission. All I need to do is to separate the tranny housing from the differential and replace the sealer. This is a great help. Is this your work? Or, do you know who took the pictures and did the step by step instruction? This is exactly what I needed. I can't thank you enough!

vetred

Ya, mine too,...15 hrs. is a hose job.if your so inclined you could do it in about 4-5 hrs. You might use this time to find a good mechanic you can trust! I lucked out with the exstended warranty ,.............be advised , my "(99") had to be re- done in less than a year! you say yours is a "99" also....................Huuuuuuuuuuummmm ?

vetred

Ya, mine too,... IN ABOUT 6 HRS. 15 hrs. is a hose job.if your so inclined you could do it in about 4-5 hrs. You might use this time to find a good mechanic you can trust! I lucked out with the exstended warranty ,.............be advised , my "(99") had to be re- done in less than a year! you say yours is a "99" also....................Huuuuuuuuuuummmm ?