Driver Side Transmission Axle Seal Installation Questions

Hey guys, I need some help with installing a driver side transmission axle seal. I purchased a replacement seal (A601-27-238) and attempted to install it in the transmission case by hand. I was told it should just push in by hand, but that wasn't the case. Next I went to Autozone and rented a seal/bearing race installation tool (https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-...ols-bearing-and-race-installer-set/391360_0_0) and ended up tearing the seal. Nice.

What's the trick for installing the seal?

 

Your talking about this one?
I used a huge socket that just fit at outer edge. You might find something else, like a ball joint puller "cup" anything just on outside edge OD. Also the seal edge on transmission case has a angle edge to guide seal, so need something that is NO larger than seal OD to drive into the seal pocket, it's kinda tricky since no bottoming lip face seal.

 

Yes - exact seal!

I conveniently have the ball joint tool rented out from Autozone since I swapped those as well. So in your case with the socket, did you use a hammer to tap the socket and seat the seal?

 

In my case - transmission was out of vehicle. You should use what ever feels comfortable for the limited space. It's a normal amount of force for the same size seals. The trouble is....the narrowness of seal edge to OD means it will want to cock sideways so that one side drives into pocket more than the other side. So a minimum amount of force to get alignment and hopefully straight alignment evenly. Then be careful if your tool is larger then transmission case ID and you need to drive in a little more. Seal outside edge needs to be at correct depth, not the first angle face. The seal will walk farther into inside and then want to cock sideways...That's when I decided on second seal install right side to use a slightly larger one for first fit then the just barely smaller one to push to proper depth. PIA with the extended lip for the axle mouth...

 

A ball joint kit wouldn't be bad to use to install the seal. Just find a cup from that kit which is as close as possible to the OD of the seal and tap it in.

 

I am going through this now and have wasted days and tons of money on things in hopes to get this installed. Plastic hammer and wood is tearing this thing apart. Seal installer kit plastic cup is doing the same.

After reading through this post it seems maybe mine is at an angle and is maybe stuck, but you can't remove these without destroying them. What a shit show of a job and it's so simple in theory. I cannot believe getting the axle in and out is the easiest part.

I hope to update this sometime with how I managed to do this. I have to purchase another because of damage.

 

That's crazy. I've put in a ton of output seals and have never run into an issue like that unless you're using something the wrong way.

Try something like this

https://a.co/d/hLksCuC

 

Those aren't the cup design ones where they account for the shielded part of the seal. I got the seal on with an oil filter wrench, however with the damage from removing it and trying to reseat it, it leaks anyways. New seal is on the way, but I'm honestly just considering throwing it in the freezer to help.

It's pretty wild as you said, but it's just such a tight fit. I had to use a 3lb hammer on the oil filter wrench for crying out loud.

 

I meant use a tube with those bearing/race installer tool. I have a ball joint installation kit which has tubes and cups. I use the bearing and race tool with the cup to hit those seals in.

Or you could go to an exhaust shop and see if they'll let you get a spare 1-2' piece of exhaust that's about the size of the seal. Weld something on the end to make it a cup and beat on it.