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Old 11-02-2020, 12:34 AM   #1
Blob05
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Default Transmission fluid leak

I'll keep this as short and to the point as possible:

Recently took my 05 wrx wagon in to have the front axles replaced due to the cv boots being cracked on both sides. Always prefer to do the work myself but this time of year I'm just too busy with work so a shop do it.

Seemed to drive fine that day and jacked it up later that night to take a look to make sure they had actually done the work. Everything from what I could tell was all set.

Fast forward several days of driving it to work and I notice a massive wet spot under the car upon returning home. Come to find out it's transmission fluid which appears to be leaking next to where one of the axles goes into the side of the transmission. (Drivers side) Checked the transmission fluid level and its barely registering.

Never noticed a leak prior to this although I do have a very slow oil leak I'm trying to chase. Thoughts on this? Never replaced axles myself and unsure of the procedure. Could it have been a fault on the shops end? Maybe a seal that has gone bad?

Too dark for pictures at this point but can post some tomorrow if that helps.

Thanks for any help you can provide. Just hoping there isn't significant damage done to the tranny already : (
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Old 11-02-2020, 07:17 AM   #2
Unabomber
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They goofed the install. No huge concern return it for replacement.
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Old 11-02-2020, 07:27 AM   #3
snow_bound26
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When replacing an axle on an older car, the seals should be done as well. They are old and prone to cracking. Even if they were replaced, they can still leak. There's a spring retainer on the inner part of the seal that's easy to dislodge when inserting the input shaft. If they used a hammer while inserting, then it's quite easy to tear the inner lip of the seal, especially if they didn't replace it.

As for replacing them yourself, it's not difficult, just time consuming.
Drain fluid
Detach sway bar from LCA
Remove axle nut
Detach damper and loosen top mount nuts about half way

From here you can swing the hub down and toward the front of the car to remove the axle. It's tight. If you're having a hard time with it you can remove the ball joint as well, but I have been able to do without needing to. Once you have it removed from the hub, then use a pry bar between the trans casing and the axle and start working it out. There will be resistance, so don't overdue it and damage the axle. Once the shaft is out of the trans then take a 90* right angle pick and remove the seal. Be careful not to damage the mating surface with the pick. It's easy to do. Take your new seal and gently push it in so it's sits even and stays in its own. From here you'll want a large socket or something similar that is very close to the same diameter as the seal and tap it the rest of the way in with a hammer. I like to use a lightweight rubber mallet. Go slow so you don't push it in too far. You want the seal flush with the lip of the mating surface. Then put everything back together in reverse order.
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Old 11-02-2020, 08:56 AM   #4
Blob05
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Thank you both for the reply. I realize the work isn’t too bad but working 60 hours a week and having two kids doesn’t allow much time unfortunately.

With this info I feel confident just calling them up and having them tear it apart again. Drove it probably 250-300 miles but didn’t notice the leak till last night.

I’ll report back when with what happens last much appreciated, cheers
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Old 11-02-2020, 06:57 PM   #5
NicMonte
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snow_bound26 View Post
When replacing an axle on an older car, the seals should be done as well. They are old and prone to cracking. Even if they were replaced, they can still leak. There's a spring retainer on the inner part of the seal that's easy to dislodge when inserting the input shaft. If they used a hammer while inserting, then it's quite easy to tear the inner lip of the seal, especially if they didn't replace it.

As for replacing them yourself, it's not difficult, just time consuming.
Drain fluid
Detach sway bar from LCA
Remove axle nut
Detach damper and loosen top mount nuts about half way

From here you can swing the hub down and toward the front of the car to remove the axle. It's tight. If you're having a hard time with it you can remove the ball joint as well, but I have been able to do without needing to. Once you have it removed from the hub, then use a pry bar between the trans casing and the axle and start working it out. There will be resistance, so don't overdue it and damage the axle. Once the shaft is out of the trans then take a 90* right angle pick and remove the seal. Be careful not to damage the mating surface with the pick. It's easy to do. Take your new seal and gently push it in so it's sits even and stays in its own. From here you'll want a large socket or something similar that is very close to the same diameter as the seal and tap it the rest of the way in with a hammer. I like to use a lightweight rubber mallet. Go slow so you don't push it in too far. You want the seal flush with the lip of the mating surface. Then put everything back together in reverse order.


Awesome info! Will come in handy when I swap out my trans for the 4.44 I have, replacing the seals in the rear diff and trans. Thanks!

Good luck to the OP! Take it back and have them fix whatever they did... especially if you don’t have the time. I’m in the same boat as you, and yes.... time is rough with work and kids. Plus the wife hates it when I’m in the Garage. Is this a woman thing?
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Old 11-07-2020, 11:16 PM   #6
hybrid gti 2
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The transmission axle oil seals have a spring inside. The spring popped off the inside of the seal. But if you do it yourself you need a tool and to count how many turns. Fact is it should be covered by warranty by who ever installed the axles.
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Old 11-08-2020, 11:51 PM   #7
Blob05
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Just giving an update. Brought it back and the fixed it although it took two days as they supposedly couldn’t get the seal. Then upon picking it up they tried to charge me for the seal and had to talk the manager down.

Always better to just do it your self when possible.
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Old 11-09-2020, 03:28 AM   #8
K3rm1tth3fr0g
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Are they a Subaru specialty shop?
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Old 09-10-2022, 07:15 PM   #9
Austinvanrijn
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Slightly off topic but is it possible for a trans to leak into a cv boot, I'm almost certain I have trans fluid inside my boot and I don't know how?
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