2002 LS430 Transmission leak question

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Dec 24, 2019 | 05:52 PM

#31

100Cars

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From: WV

I am going to make a few more calls on Thursday to see if I can find a shop that will do this. My line in the sand is $600.

Dec 24, 2019 | 06:44 PM

#32

Bocatrip

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 911LE

I just paid a transmission shop $500 to r&r the trans on my '05. The torque converter seal runs about $8.

You guys get great prices! Wow. I Could use a shop like that near by.

Dec 25, 2019 | 12:25 AM

#33

911LE

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bocatrip

You guys get great prices! Wow. I Could use a shop like that near by.

Even more surprising is that the shop has a 4.9/5 rating on Google based on a large number of reviews. Shops like these exist everywhere, you just have to know how to find them.

Dec 25, 2019 | 12:31 AM

#34

911LE

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker223

Was about to type up a really long explanation but yes, if leaking from the front/bellhousing it's very likely this and a good indie shop needs only remove the trans (not fully drop it out of the car) off the engine to replace anything that may be leaking. The trans on these cars are actually surprisingly easy to remove and labor times are not bad

The trans needs to be fully removed from the car to gain access to the converter seal. The converter must be removed from the input shaft on the trans. While they are in there have the shop inspect your engine rear main seal for leaks and the flexplate for cracks.

Dec 25, 2019 | 07:21 AM

#35

Striker223

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911LE

You can leave it in the air pulled back 6 inches from the engine, fully removed means on the ground off the trans jack. That's more of a pain than just unbolting it and sliding it back a little still near where it belongs.

Dec 25, 2019 | 09:55 AM

#36

911LE

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From: Arizona

There isn't enough room in the trans tunnel to just move it back 6 inches. Even if there was that still isn't enough room to get the converter off. Then you still need to get a seal remover in there and the seal installer with a hammer. The trans needs to be below the car for this to be accomplished so that means wiring, cooler lines, shifter, and dipstick must all be removed. Removing the trans from the jack takes maybe 30 seconds more but makes it safer when you are prying and hammering seals.

Dec 25, 2019 | 10:29 AM

#37

Striker223

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911LE

How many have you done then? I've done 30 trans this year at least and trust me it's way easier to leave as much attached as you can literally just move it back and down 6/3 inches respectively and get to what you need to do instead of wasting time getting the trans off the stand and burning an hour for no reason.

Dec 25, 2019 | 03:04 PM

#38

100Cars

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From: WV

I found a couple places that look promising, will call them in the morning. If the quotes are out of my budget, then the car will go on Ebay.

Side note: Can anybody recommend a shop in the Washington PA, Pittsburgh PA, Northern WV, Eastern OH area that knows these cars and can do this job?

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Dec 27, 2019 | 05:19 AM

#39

100Cars

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From: WV

OK, I have an update. I found a transmisison shop that has a 4.6 google rating and when I telked to the owner he sounded like he really knows what he's talking about. I am going to get all new seals, new filter and fluid and it will come in under $600. He said it will be done Monday or tuesday.

Dec 27, 2019 | 08:21 AM

#40

911LE

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From: Arizona

That's a good price. See if they will replace the dipstick o-ring while they have it removed. They can cause leaks and he will be right there anyways. The $600 may seem high but that's almost the average monthly payment on a new car.

Dec 27, 2019 | 08:24 AM

#41

100Cars

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From: WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911LE

Good advice, thanks. $600 was my line in the sand between keeping and selling the car. I think it has a lot of life left in it despite the miles.

Dec 27, 2019 | 09:32 AM

#42

Bocatrip

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 100Cars

Good advice, thanks. $600 was my line in the sand between keeping and selling the car. I think it has a lot of life left in it despite the miles.

Good luck and keep us posted when you get the car back. That's a great price.

Jan 1, 2020 | 02:42 AM

#43

100Cars

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From: WV

OK everybody, I picked it up yesterday and drove 45 minutes home. No drips or smoke anymore and shifts great. Was well worth the $600 it cost me to have done. I think the car has a lot of life left in it. Thanks again for everybody's suggestions!

Jan 1, 2020 | 08:02 AM

#44

Bocatrip

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 100Cars

Sounds great! Good for you. Do you know if any other seals were replaced while the work was being done? How about the rear main engine seal?

Jan 2, 2020 | 02:25 AM

#45

100Cars

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From: WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bocatrip

Sounds great! Good for you. Do you know if any other seals were replaced while the work was being done? How about the rear main engine seal?

I am not really sure. I picked up the car just as they were ready to close and didn't really ask about it. He told me that when he first started it, he could see the transmission fluid pissing out the bellhousing. I drove it a bunch yesterday too. It's nice to have it back!

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