Tranny Fluid from Axle Coupling | FerrariChat

Tranny Fluid from Axle Coupling

Discussion in '348/355' started by LmnsBlu355, Apr 10, 2010.

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  1. LmnsBlu355

    LmnsBlu355 Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2009
    284
    NY
    Full Name:
    Jordan S.
    #1 LmnsBlu355, Apr 10, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I just took out the bolts for my inner CV joint to replace the inner CV boot. As I loosened the last 2 bolts and the CV joint separated from the Axle flange, I noticed about 2 tablespoons of transmission fluid leak from inside the axle flange onto the tranny housing. The Car is a 97 F355 w/ 8k miles (newly aquired). The CVboot was ripped and I knew the grease was there but there was absolutely no tranny fluid leaking until I separated the CV joint from the flange.

    I looked at a vendors web site and don't see a seal behind the retaining bolt inside the flange. Could this just be 13 years of accumulated fluid? I cleaned everything and there is no active leak now but obviously the car is stationary. I want to reassemble the car but would hate to have tranny fluid leaking from behind the CV joint.

    Anyone see this before? Is it normal? Is there a seal I should be changing?

    Thanks for any advice.
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  2. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
    2,800
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    F683
    Just had to replace my CV joint boots a few weeks ago on my '96. Same thing for me. One or two tablespoons from both sides and then nothing more. Gearbox/Diff. lube level is fine.
     
  3. sambomydog

    sambomydog Guest

    May 23, 2009
    1,380
    I had a little fluid in the ones i have done also.
     
  4. LmnsBlu355

    LmnsBlu355 Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2009
    284
    NY
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    Jordan S.
    I love this forum!!!! Thanks.

    Jordan
     
  5. Scuderia P1

    Scuderia P1 Formula Junior
    BANNED

    Sep 18, 2008
    521
    Monarch Bay, Calif
    Full Name:
    Chris Conti

    The reason for the presence of oil is the bolt and washer holding the drive flange isn't sealing properly. Remove the bolt and you'll find it's sealed with silicone sealer, remove the drive flange and clean all the old silicone and re-apply new silicone sealer. If you don't do this, oil will continue to leak into the new boot you install and thin out the CV grease. Also, the oil can hurt the boot by adding weight, which under centrifugal force can blow out the boot.
     
  6. LmnsBlu355

    LmnsBlu355 Formula Junior

    Dec 28, 2009
    284
    NY
    Full Name:
    Jordan S.
    This is a 355. The CV joint is sealed from the space in the axle flange by the end cap. What you have posted would definitely apply to a 348 but does it really matter on a 355?
     
  7. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,619
    The Brickyard
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    The Bad Guy
    #7 ernie, Apr 11, 2010
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2010
    Actually there are 3 different places it could be leaking from.

    1) The o-ring that goes around the outside of the differential bearing cup. Of the o-ring goes bad then the oil will get past it and start to leak out where the cup gets bolted to the tranny case. That is unless they used silicone between the spacer and the cup, and then between the spacer and the case.

    2) The seal for the axle flange. It's where the flanges gets inserted to cup, to connect with the diff.

    3) The retaining bolt for the axle flange. If the bolts and washer aren't seal up, as has been said, the gear oil can get past and get into the cv joint grease.

    But my money is on #1 first, and then #2. But I would just go ahead and take care of all 3 places. Why chance it? I like to use Hondabond HT for sealing things up.
     
  8. tashier

    tashier Formula Junior

    Sep 8, 2008
    573
    Oregon
    Full Name:
    Sean
    +1. Did the same procedure to mine.
     
  9. TheItalianJob

    TheItalianJob Karting

    Dec 20, 2006
    91
    Hamilton, Ontario
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    Daniel
    #9 TheItalianJob, Apr 12, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    yes, here are 2 pics that may help you out...
    i always like to visuallize...
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  10. marioz

    marioz Formula 3

    Nov 21, 2003
    2,025
    Cedar Mills,Ontario
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    Mario
    Does anyone have the torque for the flange bolt?
     
  11. marioz

    marioz Formula 3

    Nov 21, 2003
    2,025
    Cedar Mills,Ontario
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    Mario
    bump
     

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