Leaky cv axle?

[Trev]

Been noticing an oil leak ever since I got this car. Seems to constantly drip. And, I cleaned the crap out of the tranny and some of the engine. I can't locate a leak coming from the engine, but right at the bottom of the cv axle (passenger side) It seems to be leaking right where the cv axle going into the tranny. I smelled the fluid and its thick and strong smelling just like gear oil. I was reading on here about a thread mentioning it is simply a seal thats gone bad. But I read further and I hear stuff about snap springs and a bunch of other stuff.

Anyway, how involved is this? Don't want to rip into my car and have it sitting in my driveway for weeks waiting for the right part. How long would it approxametely take to take off the cv axles and replace both seals? (might as well replace both right?)

Thanks, Trevor

[ARCHINSTL]

Member pdx_david just had a thread on this two threads below yours, ending today.
Also see my threads for some pix: https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... xle#p29119 and https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php? ... xle#p34235
Be SURE you get the correct seal! See part numbers! Buy two, "just in case..." And review the assorted procedures! It's not hard to do, just a hassle. You'll also need to rent a 30mm socket for removal of the axle nut and a big torque wrench to tighten it when finished.
Do not tarry on this!
Tom M.

[xirdneh]

Note : it is not necesary to remove the axle nut's to replace the tranny seals
remove the two 14mm head bolts at the lower ball joint (do not pop free at this time)
disconnect the outer tie rod end
pop the axle free at tranny with big screwdriver
Do Not detach strut from hub
pop lower ball joint free
the whole hub assy will swing away
while doing this the axle will come out of tranny
if you want to save the existing seal you need to control the axle as it comes out
you have to be carefull getting axle back in tranny at reassembly
a 4-5ft crow bar wedged in lower control arms allows you to push it down while getting the hub assy back in place

you have to be carefull doing it this way but it works

[ARCHINSTL]

Hmmm - I had not realized it could be done without removing the axle nuts. Guess I missed some threads on this before I did the install back in 2007, huh?
Tom M.

[Petros]

actually you do not even have to remove the ball joint, you unbolt the two 12mm(?) bolts on either side of the ball joint and pop the carrier from the bottom of the strut. That gives you enough room to swing the strut out far enough to clear the spline shaft from the side of the diff. YOu do not even have to remove the brake line or the steering tie rod if you move the steering wheel to the opposite side to give it the maximum extension.

Trev,

make sure the oil is coming from the trans, it is possible it is leaking down from the engine valve cover or fuel pump gasket, or distributor, to drip on the cv joint. Pressure wash it all and give it a day or two and reinspect it.

If you are leaking trans oil, make sure you top it up after you change the seal.

[Trev]

Well, I got my seals. I messed up a ball joint taking it off (boot was ripped anyway) and I replaced the seal and it still leaks. It smells and tastes like tranny fluid/oil. Really thick and nasty smelling. I changed the oil a month ago and the oil level still remains the same. Looks almost as if its leaking "above" the cv's. Maybe around the shifter area? Is that possible? I took some pics of the install...I can post them if anyone would like. Thanks, Trev

[xirdneh]

a friend tells me the seal for the input shaft will leak gear oil into the clutch area and drip at the lowest point where the tranny and engine meet. that would be above and just behind the axles.
might try wiping it clean and checking after driving.
if thats it tranny will have to be pulled to fix it.

[Trev]

Yeah, now that I'm thinking about it I think your right. Not likes its hard to pull a tranny or anything. Done it a couple times (not on this car of course) but is that a common problem?

[Petros]

Not usually, the input shaft is lubricated by splash, and they wear out since it is so much above the main gear cluster if the trans level is low the input shaft bearing breaks down because it gets oil starved (the engine is effectively over the trans so there is a idler gear to two to have the input shaft about 8 inches above the tranny main shaft). Not likely there is much oil pressure there, and it is not exposed to grit or weather like the other seals.

If the leak is not too bad, and it is not getting on the clutch, there is no hurry fix it. Just make sure the oil level does not get too low.

BTW, it is not likely gear oil will leak from the shift lever area. This is a separate chamber from the main gear box, trans oil does not get up into the shift linkage area. Some even fill this chamber with grease to keep moisture from getting in and freezing in the winter.

[Trev]

Ok I see. It appears not to be dripping anymore. I let it sit in my driveway overnight parked backwards and no drips. I wanted to fix this leak before I bought a gallon of gear oil for the tranny. Why waste it right?

I'll keep an eye on it and hopefully the leak is fixed

[ARCHINSTL]

Frankly, for the cost of a gallon of lube - I'd drain it and refill it for peace of mind.
If our little guys have an (eventual) Achilles Heel, it's the transmission.
If you've never done this before, read the threads on this - and be sure to remove the filler plugs first!
OT - but the other problem area is the rusting/deterioration of the end of the front swaybar where it inserts into the control arm.
Tom M.

[Trev]

Its dripping again! Any more ideas where it could be coming from?

[takza]

Make sure it has that onion/sulphur smell?

[Trev]

you mean gear oil smell? I've had this stuff in my mouth before, along with 10w-30, antifreeze, and gas. I can smell the thick nasty odor...not like motor oil.

[Petros]

I have to comment that making a habit of tasting the various fluids coming from your car could be hazardous to your health. You really need to find a better way to identify what those leaks are....