[2003matrix]

Hello, I'm new here and have a problem with my 2003 5-speed manual. Here is the timeline of events:

60K miles - AAMCO replaced the known plastic cage transmission bearing $1800 (OUCH!)

(6 months ago) 150K miles - had local shop remove transmission for second plastic bearing change. Took transmission to tranny shop for bearing replacement then back to shop for reinstallation. $700 total (better)

Next oil change (within weeks of install) I notice very slow transmission fluid leak from driver side axle. I wait for it to get worse before taking it back in.

2 weeks ago (160K miles) Leak gets bad enough to make me nervous so I have the same shop that installed transmission change the seal. Leak continues at previous slow rate.

5 days ago I take it back to the shop regarding the leak and they tell me the axle has vertical play and that is the source of the leak. Transmission is removed and taken to the tranny shop again. They say the "carrier" could be replaced but not necessary and they have seen worse that didn't leak. The axle shows concentric scored circles on it where it goes into the transmission. Trans guy put the axle in and said the movement is minimal.

I am at the point where either something is worn and there is play/oil is leaking past, or the axle is bent, or the installation was wrong? I can't think of any other things that could be causing this leak. The movement in the axle is probably damaging the seal and progressively making the leak worse but what is causing the movement? Transmission guy says it's not the transmission. Auto shop guy says it's not the axle. Thanks for the help/advice.

-Brian

 

[zythr]

Hello, I'm new here and have a problem with my 2003 5-speed manual. Here is the timeline of events:

60K miles - AAMCO replaced the known plastic cage transmission bearing $1800 (OUCH!)

(6 months ago) 150K miles - had local shop remove transmission for second plastic bearing change. Took transmission to tranny shop for bearing replacement then back to shop for reinstallation. $700 total (better)

Next oil change (within weeks of install) I notice very slow transmission fluid leak from driver side axle. I wait for it to get worse before taking it back in.

2 weeks ago (160K miles) Leak gets bad enough to make me nervous so I have the same shop that installed transmission change the seal. Leak continues at previous slow rate.

5 days ago I take it back to the shop regarding the leak and they tell me the axle has vertical play and that is the source of the leak. Transmission is removed and taken to the tranny shop again. They say the "carrier" could be replaced but not necessary and they have seen worse that didn't leak. The axle shows concentric scored circles on it where it goes into the transmission. Trans guy put the axle in and said the movement is minimal.

I am at the point where either something is worn and there is play/oil is leaking past, or the axle is bent, or the installation was wrong? I can't think of any other things that could be causing this leak. The movement in the axle is probably damaging the seal and progressively making the leak worse but what is causing the movement? Transmission guy says it's not the transmission. Auto shop guy says it's not the axle. Thanks for the help/advice.

-Brian

You have a few choices, a couple being, either cut your losses and sell this car, or go to a better shop, The one(s) you're going to are just taking your money and not really fixing what is wrong.

 

[2003matrix]

You have a few choices, a couple being, either cut your losses and sell this car, or go to a better shop, The one(s) you're going to are just taking your money and not really fixing what is wrong.

Thanks. I am a little suspicious of the puller/installer shop since they seem less certain about what is wrong. The tranny place is the hub of the city for all transmission rebuilds. Most shops in town go to them so I feel more trust in their opinion.

I am going to pick up the transmission today and ask them to show me (put the axle in) the amount of play in the axle and why they think the transmission is not the cause of the leak.

This thread has some good information:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...ing-axle-seal-replaced-twice.html#post1644727

-Brian