- SOLVED - More dumb transmission stuff, Input shaft seal removal Options

[ThePaintedMan]

Well now that I know I can replace the stud at the back of this spare transmission, I set out to replace all the seals in it. Started with the hardest one - the input shaft seal. I've done one before successfully, but this one is a beehotch. I used a double hooked seal puller but only managed to rip through the metal 3/4 the way around the seal and it's currently still in there.

I have a PM out to the good Dr. for his ideas, but wondering if anyone else has any tips? I have a slide hammer somewhere, but not sure if I have the necessary attachment to adapt it to pull a machine screw if I drill through the seal. Not sure I really like the idea of drilling in that area anyway.

Can the race surrounding the seal be heated with propane? I've heard it mentioned that at least some 901 boxes were magnesium and in that case, it's a definite no-no.

The other though I had would be to take it to a nearby machine shop and see if they can pull it. I guess otherwise I have to pull the gear stack and drive it out from the inside?

[Mblizzard]

George is this the one that is covered by a small cover held on by two bolts in the bell housing? If so, I just replaced mine. I used a seal puller that had an adjustable handle. With that you can get a real good pull angle on the seal. I was not able to get it with a straight one due to the shaft. Picked it up at Advanced auto for $15.

[ThePaintedMan]

George is this the one that is covered by a small cover held on by two bolts in the bell housing? If so, I just replaced mine. I used a seal puller that had an adjustable handle. With that you can get a real good pull angle on the seal. I was not able to get it with a straight one due to the shaft. Picked it up at Advanced auto for $15.

Hey Mike,
Yep, that's the one. Input shaft seal and it's covered up by the T/O bearing guide. Did the seal puller look something like this?

http://www.handsontools.com/Lisle-56650-Ad...ler_p_6490.html.

That one is much better than the one I have. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Still wondering if it's okay to use heat to help remove it. I might have just enough material left to try using one of those adjustable pullers along with a little heat.

[Dave_Darling]

Can you pull off the side cover and push the seal out from inside the transmission?

I've also heard of people CAREFULLY running a screw into the seal, and then using that to pull the seal out.

--DD

[ThePaintedMan]

Can you pull off the side cover and push the seal out from inside the transmission?

I've also heard of people CAREFULLY running a screw into the seal, and then using that to pull the seal out.

--DD

Dave,
Do you mean the one on the right side of the transmission that covers the right side axle stub? That's a good idea. I just don't want to have to pull the gear stack as I don't have an area clean enough to work on that type of task. Anyone know if it's possible to get to the back of the seal via the side cover like he suggested?

[Mblizzard]

George is this the one that is covered by a small cover held on by two bolts in the bell housing? If so, I just replaced mine. I used a seal puller that had an adjustable handle. With that you can get a real good pull angle on the seal. I was not able to get it with a straight one due to the shaft. Picked it up at Advanced auto for $15.

Hey Mike,
Yep, that's the one. Input shaft seal and it's covered up by the T/O bearing guide. Did the seal puller look something like this?

http://www.handsontools.com/Lisle-56650-Ad...ler_p_6490.html.

That one is much better than the one I have. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Still wondering if it's okay to use heat to help remove it. I might have just enough material left to try using one of those adjustable pullers along with a little heat.

Yep that is it! Worked very nicely. I think heat would be my last resort. If you look at the seal there is not much to it. The adjustable angle allowed me to get the right pull on it and it was out in 30 secs.

[worn]

Well now that I know I can replace the stud at the back of this spare transmission, I set out to replace all the seals in it. Started with the hardest one - the input shaft seal. I've done one before successfully, but this one is a beehotch. I used a double hooked seal puller but only managed to rip through the metal 3/4 the way around the seal and it's currently still in there.

I have a PM out to the good Dr. for his ideas, but wondering if anyone else has any tips? I have a slide hammer somewhere, but not sure if I have the necessary attachment to adapt it to pull a machine screw if I drill through the seal. Not sure I really like the idea of drilling in that area anyway.

Can the race surrounding the seal be heated with propane? I've heard it mentioned that at least some 901 boxes were magnesium and in that case, it's a definite no-no.

The other though I had would be to take it to a nearby machine shop and see if they can pull it. I guess otherwise I have to pull the gear stack and drive it out from the inside?

I am guessing it isn't disassembled? Cause if it is, you can tap it out from behind. Might consider it. Makes everything else easier, but then you might while you are at it, which can be bad.

[ThePaintedMan]

I remembered how I ended up having to get the first one out. Pulled enough material out of the way from the sides of the seal, then went down to Autozone and rented a pilot bearing puller head and slide hammer. Had it out in thirty seconds with *hopefully* no damage to the race.

Mike, I also tried the adjustable seal puller from Advance. While it in theory is a cool tool, at least the one I got was total crap. It kept slipping to the next ratchet position everytime I put any purchase on it. Hopefully they'll take it back tomorrow.

[nine9three]

Can you pull off the side cover and push the seal out from inside the transmission?

I've also heard of people CAREFULLY running a screw into the seal, and then using that to pull the seal out.

--DD

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I just performed this procedure on my transmission. Pull the side cover and with a long drift, pop the old seal out. Simple. Just remember to replace the large o-ring seal on the side cover. It is a good time to inspect at least one of the carrier bearings.

[euro911]

Maybe Evil can comment on this?

I know an old school mechanic that used a special tool that pushed the old seal into the trans and then he'd just press in the new seal.

I asked him if the old seal spinning around on the shaft would cause any damage - he said never had a problem in his 35 years as a VW mechanic (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[ThePaintedMan]

Well good to know it can be accessed through the side cover. I have an entire new gasket set, so I probably should have gone that route. Did not know if there was enough clearance to pop it out from the back with the guts still in the transmission. Thanks for the heads up! Maybe I'll pull the cover off just for the sake of learning something new.

Mark, that's an interesting approach too. Though I'm not sure I'd want to have that spinning around inside on the input shaft on it's own accord. What happens when the little retainer spring eventually pops off the rubber?

[76-914]

the spring is trash, throw it away. it won't be re-used.

[ThePaintedMan]

the spring is trash, throw it away. it won't be re-used.

Of course. I was referring to Mark's post where the old VW mechanic left the old seal/spring combo on the input shaft.

[euro911]

What happens when the little retainer spring eventually pops off the rubber?

That's the same question I had. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)