98 camry possibly needs differential-trans rebuild?

[DLW]

98 camry-2.2 4cyl-244,000 miles-original owner. Fair cosmetic condition. Excellent running condition and maintenance.

18 months ago-leaking from the drivers side differential seal where axle enters the differential. Had the seal replaced.

a few months ago leaking again and had it replaced again. at that time the mechanic stated that there was some play in the axle at the differential and that it is causing the axle to rub the differential seal and thus slightly disform it just enough for fluid to leak out of diff box. stated that differential is probably starting to go bad and that seal may leak again sooner this time. Seal was replaced again.

?-started leaking again after a month. Leaks about 1/3 quart of trans fluid every 1000 miles. I can refill this regularly, my concern is am a driving a ticking time bomb or is it fine to just keep refillig it and driving?

took it to a shop that specializes in frame and axle work for an opinion if the axle weas causing the leak etc. The car was in one accident before. They put it on the rack and said the differential bearing is probaly bad and they do not do trans work and sent me on my way. They said,"Sorry, you can drive it or have the trans-diff rebuilt"

I know that removing the axle is a bitch with the cir-clip on the driver-side on this car as I was unablle to do it myself at home. Also, that the seal can be damaged upon re-installing the axle if not done correctly......

?-Do you think its possible that it could be that the shop that installed the differential seals maybe did not know this car well and installed wrong?

I am always skeptical about having my car worked on by shops for various reasons but this is beyond my time and mechanical ability unfortunately and may need help as this may be a safety issue from what I have been told.

My options seem to be either drive it till it dies or take it to a trans shop. My concern with a trans shop is even if its something smaller to fix, they may just tell me I need a rebuild diff or diff-trans. It very well may need a rebuild, just skeptical that I will get taken to the cleaners unessesarily etc.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JohnGD]

If you go under the car and check the inner tulip of the halfshaft can you feel any play? If you need a specialist look one up on ATRA transmission rebuilders assoc member shop finder. Some may be duds however.

http://www.atra.com/shopfinder

Also, you may be able to find a lower-miles salvaged transmission. There should be plenty of them around. Maybe $300-400 each plus $600 labor to install. Usually 3-4 months warranty, parts only of course.

Or you can check with Marshall Engines or Jasper Engines for their reman transmissions, they carry 3-year/100K miles warranty. Marshall is about $1600 (plus $550 core charge) on rockauto. Trucking to (I used Indianapolis IN) is about $42. I guess you also pay another $42 to send the core back.

See also:
Transmission Swap Write-Up and Photos