How to replace 04 Corolla man. transaxle oil seals? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Jimigunne · 10-23-2011, 08:03 AM

The haynes manual I have describes how to replace half-shafts, but doesn't say how to replace the transaxle oil seals. The half-shafts appear to be OK, are not making noises, but I have a pretty bad oil leak. Do I need a special tool to pull the old seal out? I already have new oil seals from O'reilley.

matrixjim · 10-23-2011, 12:16 PM

O'Reily should have Loaner tool to remove the oil seal. Looks like a hook.
You may be able to just use a screwdriver to pry out the old seal.

What fluid is leaking engine oil or ATF fluid?

Are you sure its leaking from that seal and leaking from somewhere else?

invader · 10-23-2011, 08:35 PM

What was thought to be a leak at mrmistry's tranny half shaft seals, was actually just engine oil spilled upon refill, which channeled down to that location:

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmistry

Hi, I just changed the oil in my 2007 Corolla today and noticed a few drips coming underneath the car - not near the oil filter or oil pan. It's further up the car, closer to the middle. Not being an expert, I'm not exactly sure what the part is coming from. Hoping someone can comment on the image I've linked to

. It seems to be leaking from here. You can see a light yellow color in the middle seam.

Jimigunne · 10-24-2011, 10:36 AM

ITs' the 5 spd MANUAL transaxle. No doubt what is leaking here....I replaced the RH CV half-shaft not long ago--- it wasn't leaking before, but now is. So apparently I damaged the oil seal. I was just looking for a heads' up about how hard it is going to be to pull out the old and insert new seal....not having replaced a transaxle seal before.
There is also a popular trick where you drill a hole into an oil seal, then twist a screw into the hole, and as you run the screw in deeper, it forces the seal out....but is that method safe in this situation?
I know also there are special seal installation tools, but can I just insert and properly seat new seal by hand?

invader · 10-24-2011, 06:18 PM

You should be able to pry out the seal with a flat screwdriver. If I use self-tapping screws to attach a metal strap to it to pry it off, I don't get the screws in too deep which could damage a bearing behind it. I'd carefully tap it back straight in with a rubber mallet, or hammer and a wood block or something that's the same circular size.