THSCC Forums

Working on the new to me e30 to get most of the mechanical issues and leaks sorted out. Trans leak was the first one to tackle as it was the worst of the lot. Replaced the pan gasket and cleaned up the dip tube connection to stop leaking. Thought I had this one beat and now I have another leak.

There's a seal on the side of the tranny right above the pan where the selector rod feeds into the tranny. There's a 10mm seal that's seen better days and it's hard as a freaking brick. I have about 1.25" of clearance between the tranny and the tunnel. I've bent my picks and I can't get a small screw driver in far enough to wedge the seal out.

Need some friendly advice and help here please on how to attack getting this seal out. Have the replacement ready to go. I hate to drop the pan again, but if that's what I need to do to push the seal out guess I will, but not looking forward to that assuming I can even get to it.

Advice?

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

Ass seal? I'd contact your proctologist.


^That's why I'm #1 baby!!!

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02 Focus SVT
STF 9

Have you looked on some of the E30 forums to see if you can find the .pdf version of the Service Manual?

I have a feeling that the pan has to be dropped, but I would try and find that .pdf version and enjoy the exciting reading it will bring you.

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2005 Mazda RX8 STX 11

NCR Solo Chair & Cape Fear Chapter Coordinator
http://www.ncrscca.com

Any chance you can screw a sheet metal screw into the seal and get it out with a slide hammer?

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Unless it's one of those new "nano" slide hammers, I don't think 1.25" clearance will work.

Rodney, Which seal is this that you're trying to replace? is it the selector rod seal? (you mention that, but didn't say that was the seal in question)




Bret

Yes, the selector rod seal. Towards the front of the tranny pan and on the drivers side. Very little room to work w/. I've gotten pieces of it out, but not much success so far. Can't get a drill bit in there for a hole to pop it out. I don't want to score the shaft or the casing and cause another leak.

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

Wow, is that all you have to say regarding working on a BMW? You feel ok?

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2002 MCS, 2003 MCS Track Rat, 2003 Generic White Yukon, 2003 BMWk1200rs, 1973 CB350F, 02 996. 08 Cayenne Turbo
http://www.clinehallagency.com

A pick is the only way to get it out.

You can just tap a new one in over the top of the old one. It's worth a try if you can't get it out.

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Silver Honda
Green Ford
Blue/White Suzuki
Red Triumph
Grey BMW

"Never let life be shaped by fear of its end"

No, you're a towel!

if you can get to it, you can try tapping the edge of it with a small flat head screwdriver and getting out of round and then pull it out that way!! just an idea.

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This method seems to work best for me when working in a tight spot.

Assuming the seal is being held captive by a hard piece, that needs to come out anyway.

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In need of car.