So. After fixing the curb side drive axel brake (whole freaking thing, rotor, caliper etc) we find that the transmission is leaking quite a bit. The best guess is that it's the output shaft seal or something similar. We're looking into setting up an appointment with an Allison service provider about 200 miles away hopefully tomorrow or as soon as they can get us in.
I'm pretty sure I've seen folks here talking about similar issues, but can't seem to find it via search. My search-fu must be weak today. Can anyone shed any light on what kind of financial pain we might be in for here? The brake replacement was over 5 coach-bucks, so I'm hoping we're not looking at something even worse... Any advice on what to ask etc? Lessons learned etc?
Anyway, thanks as always for all the advice and support. :-)
If it is the seal it shouldn't be to bad. Remove the drive shaft pull the yoke and pull the seal and replace it making sure to grease the seal.
Tigratrus
Make sure to stop often and top off trans fluid, with correct trans oil. But don't overfill, 200 miles is a long way with a leak. Low fluid can damage very pricey componets, dealer will then try to sell you a reman trans.
Mark C.
Not to bum you out, but I have been the lucky one to when a seal starts leaking there was another problem that caused it, such as a bad bearing.
I had my main seal changed out and it was not too bad. I also had my road speed sensor replaced and it was about three hours labor.
James, hope this not confuse you....if I understand the correct leak and seal, it was $1200 at Allison.
Sounds like what you have but i guess i could send you photo to show what i had or talk if want
My Newell friend had an output seal leak fixed here for just over $500 (including service call charge) by one of the local Allison guys that does mobile repair. We parked him at another friends shop pit and took about 2 hours or so to do.
I agree with Rudy, I think I would have it done in a couple of hours and seals aren't expensive.
If your pulling the driveshaft out,check the u joints,now would be the time to replace them.
Thanks all! :-)
We got to an Allison service facility (W.W.Williams) here in Conyers south and east of Atlanta, safe and sound. The tech looked at the transmission in the lot and said it was the rear seal. There might be an issue with the yoke (I think it was) being scored, but he won't be able to tell until they get it apart. If so they can either replace the yoke (needs to happen eventually once it's scored as the seal tolerance won't be right), or they can use a "speed sleeve" patch that should last for up to a year. They have all the parts other than maybe the yoke, and it should be ready soonish. If there is scoring I think we'll have to do the patch/sleeve and set up a planned visit to another Allison facility with all the parts etc. As we don't know the last time the fluid was changed, we're having that replaced with Transcend so at least we know where we are on the cycle.
Have to wait until it's all done to see what the final bill is, but the estimate was about $1050 with about 1/2 of that being the fluid replacement.
:: knocking on wood ::
The speedy sleeves are usually stainless and in my use they last longer than the cast part they cover. Don't know why the short life of the repair quote.
I would hazard a guess that the short life estimate of the sleeve is simply to cover their butts. That being said nothing wrong with the speedy sleeve I have seen them last a really long time in some harsh environments.
Welp.
It was fixed and there was no mention of a speedy sleeve on the invoice (tech had left). So far so good, there's still fluid soaked grunge everywhere, but I didn't see any new accumulation on the bottom of the transmission which is the only clean spot. :p
First I have heard of a WW Williams in CONYERS, Think you meant Conley, GA. Just Down Thurman Road is another Allison Shop that is way better than Williams. Reliable Transmission did work on mine and even tho its specialty is garbage trucks they know Allisons.
Gary B