vegasmarauder
07-27-2013, 12:08 AM
Saw a few drops of trans fluid on the ground at the rear of the transmission, especially when parked on a slight incline. First thought it was the rear output shaft seal and bushing. Upon closer look, the fluid was seeping out of the center weep hole in the driveline yoke. The area around the bushing and seal was dry, but the fluid was being slung out off the driveline damper.
The offending seal is located on the output shaft just in front of the splines. Unfortunately, the only way to change this seal, which is really a large O-ring is to remove the trand extension housing. Ford part # is 87054-S94.
By the way, there is a difference between the 2003 and 2004 (4R70W vs 4R75W) in the extension housings. The 2004 does not have the hole for the older versions Vehicle Speed Sensor. It is not opened or the bolt hole threaded. The service extension housing from Ford has the big hole and bolt hole since it fits a lot of years. So, if you get one for a 2004 you will need the yellow plastic plug that is in place of the older VSS. On 2003, you can use the old one off your extension housing. Of course, you can remove and replace the bushing and seal on the existing housing as well. To remove the housing , you have to drop the trans crossmember for clearance. That procedure is in another post since it is a press fit MF to get out.
The old O-ring was dried out and had shrunk causing the fluid to run into the yoke splines and out the weep hole. It's a good idea to change this O-ring when you change the housing. You can see in the picture that the yoke is dry next to the case seal (the yellow seal) but the yoke is all wet with fluid BEHIND the driveline damper.
By the way, I also changed the trans mount (part #3W1Z-6068-BA list $45.94). I have a pic of a side-by-side comparison to show how much the rubber collapses over the years.
The car is extremely smooth and vibration free at high speed with the new mount. It was very noticable. It even got rid some of the engine idle vibration. Quite a bit of improvement for about $40.
The offending seal is located on the output shaft just in front of the splines. Unfortunately, the only way to change this seal, which is really a large O-ring is to remove the trand extension housing. Ford part # is 87054-S94.
By the way, there is a difference between the 2003 and 2004 (4R70W vs 4R75W) in the extension housings. The 2004 does not have the hole for the older versions Vehicle Speed Sensor. It is not opened or the bolt hole threaded. The service extension housing from Ford has the big hole and bolt hole since it fits a lot of years. So, if you get one for a 2004 you will need the yellow plastic plug that is in place of the older VSS. On 2003, you can use the old one off your extension housing. Of course, you can remove and replace the bushing and seal on the existing housing as well. To remove the housing , you have to drop the trans crossmember for clearance. That procedure is in another post since it is a press fit MF to get out.
The old O-ring was dried out and had shrunk causing the fluid to run into the yoke splines and out the weep hole. It's a good idea to change this O-ring when you change the housing. You can see in the picture that the yoke is dry next to the case seal (the yellow seal) but the yoke is all wet with fluid BEHIND the driveline damper.
By the way, I also changed the trans mount (part #3W1Z-6068-BA list $45.94). I have a pic of a side-by-side comparison to show how much the rubber collapses over the years.
The car is extremely smooth and vibration free at high speed with the new mount. It was very noticable. It even got rid some of the engine idle vibration. Quite a bit of improvement for about $40.