I have a 1995 BMW 540i automatic transmission that develop a slow leak at the bell housing. It only leaks after I park the car.
I had this problem a few years back and I had the front input seal replaced, it was expensive. I then had the car in storage for quite a while, only recently driving about 10K miles without problem. The leak has now returned, but my wrenching skills have increased significantly and I am looking to pull transmission and repair.
I have never done this, but up for the challenge. The question I have, is there a recommended ways to set the seal so that it will last, what defects would I look for on the torque converter seal and the input seal? Could block breather holes on transmission cause excessive pressure causing seals to back out and leak?
Also, there is always mentioning of orange juice as a old timer fix, what is that all about?
Thanks!
Well, don't use orange juice. Now. Yeah if event is clogged it'll blow pressure and blow the seals out so well. If the transmission has some wobble to it or the torque converter has some wobble to it. You just press them in with the seal pressure when you do the job odds are you got more than just a seal problem? Could be internal transmission where are like? I said torque converter wear making it wobble and then it starts to leak
The automatic transmission shifts fine even with 212K miles on it. If there wasn’t a leak, I would just keep driving it. And even with this small leak, I can just top off fluid, but the design requires filling from under the car with a pump, so a bit messy, if there was a fill tube, it would be non issue, just pour. ZF fluid is pricey at $16 a quart. 🤣
If I pull the transmission, I can get a rebuild kit to replace all the internal seals and clutch packs. I can also rebuild the solenoids, maybe replace the torque converter. Or I can just replace the leaking seals and put it back in. 😂
Question, how can you tell if the breather vents are clogged? Is there a filter at these vents that needs cleaning?
Again, thanks for your help!