tips for replacing output shaft seal

[ejp2fast]

i have been dripping a while from my left side output shaft seal and about to replace.
I have seen in other posts how people get the new seals in and they still leak. anybody done this before and what i need to do to ensure it won't leak when i goes back together? this is an automatic. also, i have heard that getting the axle out of the steering knuckle can be troublesome. any advise?

[GenevaDirt]

I have never had a problem with an axel myself...I have seen where others could not get it out of the tranny, but not the hub side. When you put the seal in make sure you put it in the right way, and so long as you get the axel snapped all the way back into the tranny you should be fine. I hade one one time that was out by about a 1/4 inch and it leaked pretty good till I got the axel snapped all the way in.

[jglutz]

Major causes of leaks:

1) Scoring/Scratching the bore when pulling out the old seal. Stay away from the metal in the case and avoid using sharp tools.

2) Not cleaning the axle before re-install. Light steel wool or scotch-brite followed by spray solvent.

3) Not lubing (soaking) the new seal with tranny fluid. lunbe the seal and bore when installing the seal, lube the seal and axle when installing the axle.

[ejp2fast]

Ok i just replaced the output shaft seals both sides and the same output shaft seal (drivers side) is STILL leaking.. I got the axle all the way in and also tapped the seal into the transmission case properly and flush. have i missed anything?

[scottxd45]

Is there any scoring or scratches on the axle where it goes through the seal?

[ejp2fast]

not that i am aware of... when i put the other in, i lubed it up good and everything was clean.

[ejp2fast]

Ok, now that I've done the 5spd swap end of last year, and installed another new set of output shaft seals.... i am STILL getting some leaking.. now, here is what I have found.. I think I put the seals in TOO FAR, and thus the CV axle isn't getting a full sealing edge on the seal...
why is this? The right (pass) side seems to be worst then the left.

i am pretty sure the CV axle is all the way in....

i have another new set of seals, and i am about to do them AGAIN, but now not put the seal in too far..

these seals don't seem to get along with me too well.

[zoe60]

My '89 leaks on the driver side. I've replaced the seal 3 times with no luck. I think something is wrong with my transmission. Clunks when I take off even though both mounts are new. Looking for replacement trans. Hope you have better luck than I do but thats my 2 cents worth.

[ejp2fast]

well, i just replaced them again, and everything seems to be ok now... ?? i don't know what was up why the others were leaking.. i polished the bore and was very careful on installation, so i hope it says leak free.