I was informed that my front axle seals were leaking, so had them replaced. Unfortunately I let the oil change place "service" the trans . . . big mistake! My pan leaked like crazy until I replaced the pan gasket myself with the metal reusable trans pan gasket using the correct torque settings and sequencing. I subsequently hit a large pothole that created a vibration. That turned out to be a damaged right front axle. The vibration was cured but now it seemed the axle seal was leaking. I had the seal replaced but it still seems to be leaking. The replaced axle is a NAPA re-man. Is it possible the axle could not be up to spec in the diameter that fits thru the seal? I'd like to find the specs for the diameter of the axle where is passes thru the seal and then "mic it" to see if thatcould be the present problem which is leaking with a new seal installed. Any help on finding these specs would be greatly appreciated!
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The seal could have been damage when either axle was removed or installed. You could also have diff bearings that wearing to the point, causing the seal to leak.
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Master Chassis tech, Transmission
Automatic and Manual and Suspensions.
Also repair front and rear diffs and all engine
repairs inc Diesel. A/C repair too.
Thanks for your reply and another possibility! I guess it might be possible the diff bearings could have been damaged by the warped axle causing vibration that wore the bearings to the point the axle doesn't run true. If that were the case though wouldn't I feel a vibration while driving? The vehicle is very smooth at all speeds. I assume there is no way to check those nearings without pulling the trans? I still need to find the specs for axle stub diameter!
I think your diagnosis of bad bearings is correct! I cleaned everything spotless. Then while the van was in the air I put it into drive and let it shift into O/D. Then I watched as drops of fluid leaked thru the seal and dripped off of the housing for the seal. I think driving with the bad axle for so long probably wore those bearing. I need to find out if the passenger side bearing can be replaced with the trans installed by unbolting and removing the extensions that hold the seal where the axles fit. Can anyone help with that info?
Some possibilities:
- damaged seal as stated previously (a likely cause)
- roughness on the axle shaft where it goes through the seal (which will create openings for leaks or wear the seal)
- too much fluid in the transmission and a build up of pressure that is not being relieved through the vent (the vent may be the filler tube) but through a weak axle seal instead.
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I have a 98 and the trans is leaking on it. I installed a pan and filter kit, but now I think the back pan/seal is leaking??? Anyone know what that gasket is called? It is on the back side of the trans, between the crossmember and trans. Looks like I have enough room to change it, but not sure.
1997 Caravan 4 speed auto trans leak
I guess it might be possible the diff bearings could have been damaged by the warped axle causing vibration that wore the bearings to the point the axle doesn't run true. If that were the case though wouldn't I feel a vibration while driving? The vehicle is very smooth at all speeds. I assume there is no way to check those nearings without pulling the trans? 
I still need to find the specs for axle stub diameter!
Seal leak verified.
