Bad atf leak

[mkcman17]

my auto ix is hemorrhaging red atf while driving. Once stopped, the car is dry, but after warming up a little an almost steady drip comes down from what seems to be between the rear of the trans and front of the transfer case. I'm new to ix's, is this a common leak?

apologies in advance if I haven't searched this forum enough yet.

[nando]

since there's not really enough fluid in the transfercase to leak like that, the output seal on your trans is shot.

[mkcman17]

Yeah, the trans fluid level drops absurdly fast. I assume the tcase need to be dropped to change the seal...

a few pictures (first time getting under the car)



front driveshaft



leaks seem to be from more than one spot after a 20 mile drive...all red atf.



trans->tc

[nando]

yes, the T-case must be removed.

your front dust cover is shot (front driveshaft). that is not good, since it protects the seals and splines from water/dirt. it's a cheap part, so best to replace it while you're there, and regrease the splines.

[mkcman17]

alright, began the teardown today. the front driveshaft splines aren't stripped on either end, although there is definite play visible when alternating directions of torque. with the trans tilted down, red ATF seeps out consistently. the rear driveshaft has clearly been the source of vibration, as the output flange seems to have backed out of the TC and leaves lots of wiggle/shake room. also the TC/trans support bracket bushing is pretty much shot. any tips for removing the rear DS? with the output flange backed out, there little to no slack to drop the DS. i tried unscrewing the slip yoke, but that doesn't seems to be significant in creating slack...

[Ether-D]

I just had to take my rear drive shaft out...
On mine, I just took a big flat screwdriver and pried it backward from where the guibo was attached. I was surprised at how easily it slipped back. It slipped back about 1 1/2". I didn't have to loosen the collar at the back.

[nando]

once you've loosened the collar nut you push the shaft back. the slip yoke will collapse giving you plenty of room to get the shaft out of your way - you don't need to remove it from the diff or the car (unless you need to replace it).

[mkcman17]

Thanks guys. Still trying to figure out why the rear flange backed out of the TC...looks like the DS pulled it through.

[flyboyx]

I just had to take my rear drive shaft out...
On mine, I just took a big flat screwdriver and pried it backward from where the guibo was attached. I was surprised at how easily it slipped back. It slipped back about 1 1/2". I didn't have to loosen the collar at the back.

this

[mkcman17]

alright, i know some if not most of you have been helping me on e30t, but an update!

i've decided to go manual swap, trans and new clutch should be arriving today and manual transfercase is being shipped out today as well. old trans/tc/flywheel are out and the new pedal assembly is in. the only snag is that i thought i had a spare single mass flywheel in the garage but i don't....so i'll need to go source one out in the meantime. still need to change the rear main seal and trans carrier bushing in the meantime. changed the timing belt yesterday and am cleaning the 'new' m50 injectors tonight.