Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-07-2012, 10:26 AM   #1
SpeedIsLife
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 333567
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Wagon
WR Blue

Default Persistently Leaking Axle Seal!!!!!!!!

Hey everyone, I'm new to the site.
I have an issue I'm hoping someone here knows the solution to.
I have a 2005 WRX Wagon with a manual transmission and about 110K on the clock.
The problem is that a pretty significant amount of transmission fluid is leaking past the oil seal on the right front C/V shaft.
About a month or so ago, I had noticed that my inner front C/V boots had partially torn open and were splattering the underside of the car with grease. Then an outer one let go. Since money was tight, I purchased a set of Cardone Select C/V shafts from Rock Auto. Once I actually procured the correct axle nuts (the ones supplied were too large for my hubs), they did fit the car, but then I noticed that the right front oil seal appeared to be leaking. Not thrilled with the Cardones anyway, which were already leaking C/V grease from improperly secured band clamps, I ditched them for a set of Genuine Subaru Rebuilt axles.
But the oil leak persisted.
So, at the advice of the dealer, I changed both C/V oil seals. I am aware they are side specific and was careful to install them on the correct side. Results:
The driver side had never leaked anyway and was still dry as a bone. The passenger side was still leaking.
My contact at the dealer suggested that maybe I had inadvertently torn the seal during installation, so he gave me a another one at no cost to try. I installed it with no improvement.
We are both scratching our heads now, because
1) Apparently these seals rarely fail and,
2)There really isn't anything else in the transmission that would cause this kind of leak.

Anybody have a similar experience or any ideas? Any suggestions would be HUGELY appreciated. Thanks guys!
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
SpeedIsLife is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 10-07-2012, 10:41 AM   #2
lavid2002
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 226864
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Southern NJ
Default

Pix are very helpful.

How is the mating surface that the seal touches (On the axle) if it has a score in it as it rotates it will eat up that seal.
lavid2002 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 12:28 PM   #3
SpeedIsLife
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 333567
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Wagon
WR Blue

Default

Hi Lavid,

Thank you for your reply.

No, the surface of the shaft which rotates against the seal is clean and free of any imperfections. The first seal that I installed (and later replaced to see if that would stop the leak) was not visibly damaged by the axle rotating against it.
Any other thoughts?
SpeedIsLife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 12:55 PM   #4
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

There's a spring on the back side if the seals, are they in proper position?

Thats whats going to keep the seal and typically why a "new" one would leak...

Did you find/notice the failure point on the old one?
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 01:18 PM   #5
SpeedIsLife
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 333567
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Wagon
WR Blue

Default

Hi Aaron,

No, the "new" one that I removed had it's spring in the proper position.
There was no discernible failure point with the seal that I could see.
The guys at my local Subaru dealer say they rarely see axle seals fail and suspect it might be something else.

I wonder how tight the diameter tolerance of the axle is? In other words, if the bearing surface has been refinished during the remanufacturing process, could it's diameter be just a hair too small to seal correctly? When I test fit the seal before installation, it seemed to fit over the axle snugly.

The other variable in this equation is that the wheel bearing on the affected axle was also recently changed, right around the time when the leak began. I used a Timken bearing from Rock Auto and not a Subaru part, and gave it to the dealer to install as I don't have a shop press. The tech at the Subaru dealer said it fit correctly, but I wonder if somehow this has an effect on the oil leak. Just throwing that out there.
SpeedIsLife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 01:43 PM   #6
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

pics could help,like posted earlier,as it's hard to see if were not there,maybe the axle bar is a hair to small on the inner side,who knows
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 02:14 PM   #7
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

Tell me, what you find leaking, does it SMELL like gear oil or not?

Ive had CV shafts leak internally through the splines on the axle stubs sticking out of thr trans..

If it doesnt smell likr gear oil, i wonder if thats your issue?
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2012, 02:18 PM   #8
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default



Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2012, 03:50 PM   #9
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

That is not gear oil,it's cv axle grease there for some reason,pics tell alot and maybe cause you tranny's pink it hates you. But Op pics please.
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 09:10 AM   #10
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EROCS04SBRUSTI
That is not gear oil,it's cv axle grease there for some reason,pics tell alot and maybe cause you tranny's pink it hates you. But Op pics please.
No **** Shirlock... Read the post above that dick...


And its not PINK, its Cherryblossom Red mother'effer
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 01:31 PM   #11
Heater Guy
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 215239
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Default

A big problem is having to install the seal over the installed axle stub.
the seal therefore must be installed backward from the way seals are normally installed on shafts. This is also the case with installing the camshaft seals.

To avoid a potential leak, we carefully install the seal over the shaft, then take a feeler gauge and run it around between the seal lip and the shaft to be certain that the lip is not folded over on itself. If the feeler gauge does not go easily all around, the lip is most likely folded and the seal will not seal properly.
It is very easy to have a folded lip. This method insures the seal is installed correctly. We have had cases where some seals will seal even with a folded lip and some will not.
Heater Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2012, 03:54 PM   #12
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

lol pink!I said op pics please numbnuts.

Last edited by EROCS04SBRUSTI; 10-11-2012 at 05:09 PM.
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2012, 08:11 AM   #13
SpeedIsLife
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 333567
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:
2005 WRX Wagon
WR Blue

Default

Hi guys,
Thanks for the pics. I will take some of my own and post them shortly.
And a couple of things:
-It's definitely transmission oil that's leaking. There is a thin line of it that runs down the side of the transmission and collects near the drain plug.
-My car has the one piece style CV shafts. I guess the ones with the modular stub shafts and roll pin were fitted to later model years? Earlier?
SpeedIsLife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2012, 08:56 AM   #14
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EROCS04SBRUSTI View Post
lol pink!I said op pics please numbnuts.

Nice edit there jackhole...

Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeedIsLife View Post
Hi guys,
Thanks for the pics. I will take some of my own and post them shortly.
And a couple of things:
-It's definitely transmission oil that's leaking. There is a thin line of it that runs down the side of the transmission and collects near the drain plug.
-My car has the one piece style CV shafts. I guess the ones with the modular stub shafts and roll pin were fitted to later model years? Earlier?
Early CV's with roll pin yes...

Wasn't sure if it'd help, but it was a shot.. That was CV falure #3 in the past year or so.. lol.. (out of 5, one going 20mi)
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2012, 07:44 PM   #15
avk
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 17252
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NJ
Vehicle:
'06 WX8
59E

Default

On some other transmissions, such leaks happen because a diff. bearing is worn and allows the shaft to wobble. But I am sure that condition would have been noticed by now.
avk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2012, 08:50 PM   #16
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

[quote=Aaron'z 2.5RS;38261926]Nice edit there jackhole...


there is no edit on post 10 your a real dick!Some people are slow and don't read the full post and get flaired up with what gets their attention.
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2012, 08:31 AM   #17
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron'z 2.5RS View Post
Nice edit there jackhole...


there is no edit on post 10 your a real dick!Some people are slow and don't read the full post and get flaired up with what gets their attention.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EROCS04SBRUSTI View Post
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

lol pink!I said op pics please numbnuts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by EROCS04SBRUSTI; 10-12-2012 at 06:09 AM.
If I'm a real dick, you are REALLY dumb...


IF you read the entire post, it doesn't say anything, besides bashing my Cherryblossom Red Transmission...

So **** off... .
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2012, 09:01 AM   #18
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

are you done whining^^^^
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2012, 08:38 AM   #19
Aaron'z 2.5RS
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 1026
Join Date: Mar 2000
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Hickigan
Vehicle:
'00 RS/WRX Stg5
'98 RS Stock

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by EROCS04SBRUSTI View Post
are you done whining^^^^
Are you done being a TOOL?

Someone here is actually trying to help, someone ELSE is just talking/writing words..

What is a PIC of a leaking axle seal going to help ANYONE..
Aaron'z 2.5RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2012, 09:05 PM   #20
EROCS04SBRUSTI
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 234397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Elyria,Ohio
Vehicle:
2004 WRX STI WRB
15 DGM FXT

Default

thanks your so smart,continue with your internet ego^^^as your just playing the guessing game.Pics tell alot!Also seals can be worn from wrong parts/fitment,placement,install.but not going to guess til pics are up,that's all.
EROCS04SBRUSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2012, 11:28 PM   #21
spoolandpull01
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 285376
Join Date: Jun 2011
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: galveston texas
Vehicle:
08 wrx
matte black

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron'z 2.5RS
There's a spring on the back side if the seals, are they in proper position?

Thats whats going to keep the seal and typically why a "new" one would leak...

Did you find/notice the failure point on the old one?
+1. I was going to say almost these exact words ,but it seems like u have canceled this out. When I was at the beach one day, I hit a pothole very hard and woke up the next day to find out I could hardly pop the gears in. Checked my tranny fluid and all of it was drained! So I did some researched and found out that it was the the "tension spring" on the backside of the axle seal. The broken Spring is the first thing that popped out then I opened the retainer plate. So I bought a whole new one at gilman subaru for ibbelieve 9 bucks total, and replaced it and have not looked back. And if yours is leaking like mines was...... as soon as u would put gear oil inside, and it was started it would literally ALL LEAK OUT! so maybe double checked that?, another possibility could be inputshaft seal, which is inside the transmission? Goodluck my friend I hope I gave u a little insight on my experience.
spoolandpull01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:19 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.