Hello,

I have a new to me '01 996tt. Did my first oil change yesterday so starting to get a feel for the car and see things that need addressing.

I have a transmission leak at what appears to be the gear selector. It is seeping out from the part that goes in to the transmission. There is a slight bit of play to it which would probably indicate the seal on the inside is failing.

I'm looking for confirmation that to repair this probably involves dropping the transmission, opening it up, and replacing the seal?

I've checked the fluid level and can feel it so it isn't too low if at all... I don't want to leave it this way so planning out the repair.

See attached pictures of the leak...

Thanks,
Mike

 

its the seal at the shift lever. have to drop and open the trans to replace it. fwiw its actually easier to remove trans and engine as a unit do what you need and reinstall as it is to drop the trans and fight getting it all reassembled in the car

 

Thanks for confirming. I was completely bummed when I saw where it was coming from.

This isn't something I will personally tackle... so hope the mechanic I go with does it the least labor intensive way.

 

if you have the skills and the means ie: a lift to use its about 16 hrs of savings to remoive it yourself and take the trans to the shop of your choice and then reinstall yourself. if the motor is dropped theres a number of things that can be done to save on labor costs of removing the engine later for more work

 

Might be worth checking your slave to make it isn't leaking and appearing like a shift lever seal. That is an area where pentosin can collect and appear to be the source. Stock slaves are junk and are known to fail.

 

I'd spray it all down with carb cleaner or some other solvent to clean it up and get a better idea where it's coming from, might be something up higher.

 

well you might as well do the gt2 slave conversion and upgraded clutch and FW while you have everything opened up. Yea it's a big pill to swallow but the biggest labor is getting the gearbox separated from the engine.

 

Had this happened to me its the seal where the **** is but its inside and a ***** to fix.

Its a boxter part number for the seal. If a shop does it your looking at 1k plus labor. If you dont fix it you could damage your trans because if the oil is a little low you will not get the higher gears lubed up and will start to fail.

 

I did take these pictures pre-wipe down. I plan to get back under there this weekend to check things out.

It is definitely gear oil... it has that disgusting smell to it.

Yeah, it does sound like its going to be one of those "while you are in there" jobs... so possible slave cylinder, upgraded clutch, etc.

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

Its not an easy job i know that. While your in there i would freshenup your gears and syncros and fix the second gear pop out.

 

lousiest place for a seal leak ever. too bad its not just the rms!

but agree, if you're going in? you ( or someone you'll pay dearly ) gets to look at gears/synchros/clutch/fw condition and all the external stuff, eg slave/accumulator.

at least, once you're done? that'll hold ya for a couple/few years also agree now's the time to do any "while in" stuff if you want to upgrade the box.

..and while its dropped? don't forget to r&r the rms for the 30 extra bucks!

 

This is starting to sound painful... thanks for the words of encouragement... ha!

Maybe I will look in to removing the tranny myself then taking that in.

I don't have a lift. Have always wanted an excuse to get one of those portable ones. How high does one need to lift the car to comfortably remove the transmission?

 

You don't need a lift, just 4 jack stands but get it as high as possible; work your way from side to side when you jack it up.

 

exactly what i did. i rented a lift last time i had to drop it. but this time since the box was being opened i couldn't leave my car sans trans! so my shop dropped it and r&r'd it for a total of six hours labor. the trans work though through a related guy, was a separate charge. i wouldn't want to attempt dropping the box and having the car only supported by stands. that sucker ain't light!

just realized youre in la/oc. i have a highly cost effective solution for you. pm for details if you need a referral.

 

Yeah, I'm just starting to consider shops in the area. Haven't called any yet... Once I hear the quote then I'll decide if I want to tackle part of it on my own.

Doesn't look like I can pm yet unless I'm completely computer illiterate and can't see the option.

Definitely interested in cost effective options!

Here is my email: mjbrantley00(at)gmail.com