Help replacing input shaft seal . . .

[misterYthirty]

Yes I have searched and read through about 20 pages of threads trying to find some information or help, but nothing.

I have a 1986 325e manual. I am replacing all the seals and vents on the transmission. I have done the output shaft, selector rod, vent tube, and the lil three button thing on the back. But I cant get the input shaft seal out, and I cant puncture it, or remove the plate that its pressed into.

In the picture, part number 6 is actually 2 pieces on my transmission. The front tube is bolted to the rear plate with 4 bolts. I have removed those four bolts, and the tube. Now I have access to the plate that is held on by 6 bolts. Removed all those and smacked it, pried on it etc. No budging. I cant puncture this hard seal in order to pull it out, so I need to remove this whole plate, but how? There are no notches along the side to use a gear puller etc. Please help!

[misterYthirty]

Delete thread. Simple solution. There was enough play on that front sleeve when bolted down, that I bolted it back up, hit it with a hammer a couple times, and it popped the backing plate that holds the seal off. Done. Yay I can put my transmission back in! :)

[Dirtboy]

No no... don't delete thread! I'm gonna be doing this soon to an 89 325 that I'm buying. Thanks for the heads up!:up:

[DJB]

With the two piece guide sleeve you should be able to replace the input shaft seal just by removing the tube section. The base plate can remain sealed to the transmission case. Of course, as you found, it's much easier to push the seal out than to pierce the metal reinforcement to pull it.

Most e30s have the single piece guide sleeve, where you have to break the sealant bond to replace the input shaft seal. You must use low-strength sealant if you hope to remove it in the future.

Input guide sleeve, case halves, reverse gear, and detent plate
Flange sealant, slow curing low strength
Locktite 573
21455 50ml, 26392 250ml

[lateracer]

This thread just saved me from acts of anger and violence on my 86e's tranny. Kind of a unique problem; really cool solution.

[SkinnyVT]

This thread just saved me from acts of anger and violence on my 86e's tranny. Kind of a unique problem; really cool solution.

especially after I told you it was an easy job :)

[lateracer]

I just needed a little push. You were definitely right.

[the spyder]

Perfect, this is what I needed to know. One piece figured out, 999999 left!