The dealer was working on my 04 WRX and pointed out that there is silver/grey sealer where the 5-speed transmission halves are bolted together (The bolts point left and right). The dealer stated that Subaru doesn't use any sealer and that the transmission has been taken apart.

I know that this is possible since I bought the car used, but can anyone confirm or deny that Subaru does or doesn't use any type of sealer between the transmission halves?

One more question: If the transmission was removed, would the power steering lines or the rack and pinion assembly have to be removed? The lines are leaking and the dealer pointed at the transmission as the cause.

Thanks in advance!

Your dealer sounds like they really don't know what they are talking about....or they're trying to blow smoke up your arse.

Firstly....you have a transmission that has oil in it. You have two aluminum surfaces that come together that do not seal by themselves. So....if Subaru did as they said and didn't put sealant between them, the transmission would leak. Strike one for the dealer.

Second....you don't have to even remotely touch the steering lines & rack to get at the transmission.

You might want to print this out for them, since they sound so incompetant
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8080/subaru/techinfo/subaru_sealants.gif

From the second box

"Oil pump and transmission case mating surfaces, flywheel and drive plate attachment bolts, engine service hole plug, coolant drain plug, oil separator cover, etc - Threebond Super 1215 - SOA part # 004403007"

I appreciate the link. I was pretty sure they were full of it since they couldn't find a "Denied warranty claim" on the car and the sealer was silver.

Thanks a Ton!