axle seals

[our1vue]

I noticed my 2003 2.2 5 speed has a leaky axle seal where the shaft comes out of the transmission on the drivers side. Haven't seen this one talked about on the forum. Anyone else have this problem ? I'm going to have the seal replaced this Thursday. Thanks.

[KGB]

I have an '04 2.2L 5 speed with the same issue. First noticed it last summer after a trip during hot weather. It was to the point of just beginning to form a drop, but never did drip in the garage. Before I got it to the dealer, I drove through heavy rain and washed some of it off. When I did get it in to the dealer, there was residue that looked damped and they said they compared it to others and it was normal. I explained that it was worse and the response was to bring it back if it gets worse again. Since then there is always evidence of a slight leak as it looks damp, but never forms drops. Unfortunately there isn't an easy way (ie., dipstick) to check the level.

Please let us know the result of your trip to the dealer.

[our1vue]

KGB, Yes, it is a leak, but it never forms a puddle on the floor. I've been driving with it for a year now and was wondering if anyone else had this problem. I wasn't planning on taking it to the dealer, but just take it to a repair shop and have it replaced. It is funny that the driver side leaks (with the intermediate shaft) and not the passenger side where I would think there would be more flexing going on. The job doesn't look to bad to do, but I've never pulled an axle off a front wheel drive before, so I may let the professionals handle this one.

[vue-vtec]

If it's just slight seepage and not dripping/leaking, why bother with it?

[Mr Joe Handyman]

Mide did the same thing, they replaced the seals. then it started leaking really bad about a month later, turns out the pinion gear was out of alignment and sending metal shavings down the shaft, which tore up all the seals. They had to nearly rebuild the tranny. I would have it looked at.

[our1vue]

I just took it in yesterday (not to dealer) and they replaced the seal. My concern that I can't tell how much it is leaking so I don't know when the tranny would be empty and I'd start burning it up. Mr Joe. Thanks for the pointer. I'll keep an eye on this. I thought it was funny that the side that is leaking is the side with the intermediate shaft, which I would think would have less flexing on it and easier on the seal. So if starts leaking again, I'll take it to a tranny person.