Q: What are the causes and steps for replacing fluid leaks in driveaxle oil seals and speed sensor O-rings?
A: Fluid leaks frequently occur due to wear of the driveaxle oil seals or the speed sensor O-rings. Replacement of these seals is relatively easy, since the repairs can usually be performed without removing the transaxle from the vehicle. The driveaxle oil seals are located on either side of the transaxle, where the drive-axle shaft is splined into the differential. If leakage at the seal is suspected, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. If the seal is leaking, fluid will be found on the side of the transaxle. To replace the driveaxle seal, remove the driveaxle and carefully pry out the old seal using a screwdriver or prybar. If necessary, a special oil seal removal tool can be used. Install the new oil seal using a seal driver or a large deep socket as a drift, making sure it is completely seated and lubricating the lip with multi-purpose grease. For speed sensors on 5-speed transaxles, look for lubricant around the sensor housings to determine if an O-ring is leaking. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the sensor from the transaxle. Remove the old O-ring and install a new one on the driven gear housing before reinstalling the speedometer driven gear and vehicle speed sensor housing, tightening the hold-down bolt securely.