Hey, I am new here and got a question. I have a 2001 CIVIC EX and recently found a did an oil change and noticed a leak of transmission fluid. I did a tranny axle seal change on the driver side (the side where the leak is. its the only side that is wet) and it still has a slight leak. We are not sure if this is where it is coming from, but my real question is is there any such thing as a manual transmission fluid stop leak? Also, after I changed the seal I dropped all fluid and refilled it with honda brand manual tranny fluid. If you guys have tips it would be cool. Thanks ahead for the help. I plan on putting out any knowledge on here that I can when I see I can help.

 

New seals can be damaged during installation. In particular it's important to press only on the very outside edge of the seal and press it in evenly. Also the seals are different for left versus right because they are sensitive to the direction of rotation of the shaft. Check the arrow on the seal and make sure it's pointing the way the shaft turns while the car is rolling forward.

 

Yeah if it's still leaking then I'd assume the seal wasn't installed properly.

Don't use that stop leak crap, it never works. That goes with any stop leak product.

 

So using the end of a basballbat to push the seal in is not a great idea? I figured it was rounded and wouldn't harm it. What's the best way to put the seal in then? Any tips on this project would be helpful. Thanks guys. Also, does it matter what tranny fluid I put in?

 

Use a seal installer (duh) or a piece of pipe that matches the outside diameter. The rounded end of a baseball bat will press mostly on the center, which is exactly what you don't want. It'll bend in the flat flanged part and alter the ID which will prevent a proper seal.

Also before you install the shaft, put grease or transmission fluid on the lips of the seal. Nobody likes dry lips. Grease may have been applied at the factory.

 

Where do I get a seal installer? Is it something that autozone sells/rents? Also the generic seal from auto zone is half the price of the OEM seal from honda, is there a big difference? The brand is "Timken." I am really hoping that this is the problem.