I've recently rebuilt the T-5 tranny in my '84 T/A. After having it on the road for a while I've noticed that I've still got a fluid leak from the speedometer cable connection. It looks like it's seeping from around the speedo gear shaft inside the gear carrier.

When I rebuilt the tranny I didn't notice anything unusual about the carrier or gear when I installed the new seals. So I'm wondering if I might've got a bad seal, or more likely- is it possible that the plastic gear shaft itself has worn to the point where it's no longer sealing against the seal anymore?

Has anyone run across something like this?

Thanks!
David

 

The plastic gears can wear down, but it takes some miles.

The o-rings inside the sleeve are a good idea to replace as well.

 

Some Miles = ~150K worth? It's the original factory gear....

There's a O-ring inside the sleeve.....I assume you mean the cable sleeve..... that I didn't know about. I'll check that out, too....

 

I meant the gear sleeve.

 

Ah, ok. In that case it was replaced, too when I had taken the gear sleeve apart, as I made sure all the seals had been replaced....

Sounds like the culprit must be the speedo gear itself then. I did think that it felt a little loose around the gear shaft seal when I had reassembled it, but though that was normal.....

 

Well, I got a new speedo gear from the dealer the other day to install. The new one fit much more snug into the carrier than the used one- however I did notice that the seal still didn't seem as snug around the shaft as one would expect for a new gear.

I went ahead and installed it and drive it around- unfortunately it's still doing the same thing

The only other thing I can think of is that the seal is defective- however the dealer's already told me that they don't have the seal available seperately. I'd have to buy a new carrier (for $18), which comes with the seals. Does anyone know where I can get just the seal by itself, without having to buy a gasket rebuild kit or carrier?

Thanks!
David

P.S. As a afterthough- I'm pretty sure that I've got the seal installed correctly, but someone correct me if I'm wrong: the 'open' side of the seal is supposed to face towards the inside of the tranny, right?

 

correct. to make sure we're talking about the same thing, there's two seals in particular on a cable driven speedo... the O ring the goes around the carrier, and the seal on the inside. when you pull the carrier out, the o-ring just chills there arond the outside. i'd replace it... it only cost like 30 cents at a good auto parts store (read: good Mom and pop joint or O'reilly's). the second seal is on the inside. it has a little metal ring that hold it in place. with a hook or probe, you can pull it out, and then you can pull out your seal. I'd replace it too, because it's only like 50 or 75 cents. I fixed those two, and haven't had a leak since. maybe you didn't push the new seal in far enough?

 

Right, I'm talking about the seal on the inside of the carrier with the metal C clip.

I'll check O'Reilly's to see if they'd have it- I just assumed (incorrectly, it seems) that this was a dealer part. I'll go ahead and replace it and make sure it's seated tight. The outer O ring was replaced when I replaced the inner ring, and it looks to be dry as a bone in that area. But the fluid is seeping out around the collar where the cable housing connects to the speedo gear carrier, hence my assumption that it's the inner seal at fault....

 

Well I'm going to have to ask again if someone knows who'd carry individual tranny seals. I've checked both Autozone and O'Reilly's for this speedo gear seal and the best they can do are 'universal' O-rings, which isn't the type I need. Maybe there's a mail-order store that would carry these seals?

 

I will see if I can find those this week; problem is that I usually have to buy seals like that in quantity.

 

I can get you one and mail it to you, if you're interested. PM me if you are.

 

I have the same experience; I think that the driven gear got a sharp plastic mold line (See picture) that originates the inner seal (Grey on the picture) get worm. It is a very thing rubber seal.
I have used other type of seals (thigh O rings) but no luck.
Regards,
Cobra289

 

Second picture

 

Cobra- I think you're right, the seal is very thin and probably tears easily. I might've torn it when I was reassembling the tranny after the rebuild...

jmd and fly- thanks for the offer, but if you would, hold off on it for a day, please. After posting, it occured to me that I've done business once with a tranny shop here in town (this was for a non-GM tranny, tho) and I MIGHT be able to get them to sell me a new seal (or two- probably should get two . That is, they may carry the individual seals used in a T-5 that they could sell seperately rather than in a rebuild kit. I wasn't able to swing by today to see, but tomorrow I'm going over there to see if they'll sell me just the seals. If not then I'll let you guys know.


David

 

no prob. I'm getting a couple for various other members on the board, so it's no trouble. just say when.

 

When They didn't have it either. They said check with dealer, otherwise they might have a O-ring that would fit.....

Put me down for 2 of them, please and let me know how much I need to send you. ....

Thanks!
David

 

you got it. I'll pick em up tomorrow and I'll pick up some spares for my TH-350 (i think it's the same seal...) . do you want the exterior o-rings too?

 

Yes please. Wouldn't hurt to have a extra set around if they're that hard to get....

David

 

Yes I agree, can you please also arrange two sets for me?
Regards,
Cobra289

 

aight. I'll keep you guys informed. carlos, if you need any other parts you can't get, let me know. i know f-bodies aren't exactly common in the Netherlands.

 

Is there some news?
Regards,
Cobra289

 

looking for the relays you asked for. I also have some more shops i found that might have these seals. does anyone know if the seals from a 700r4 or a TH350 are the same size?