Ferrari 328 Shifter Shaft Seals replacement need clarification on a few things | FerrariChat

Ferrari 328 Shifter Shaft Seals replacement need clarification on a few things

Discussion in '308/328' started by Jerry458, Apr 14, 2025 at 9:27 PM.

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  1. Jerry458

    Jerry458 Karting

    Nov 6, 2024
    53
    NYC
    I need to replace the two seals on the shifter shaft that goes into the transaxle( 86 328) and I found a few threads but none had good photos or any photos to clarify a few things.

    It looks like the front seal is accessible by removing the shift shaft from the gearbox and pulling it out through the engine oil sump and out of the car. the rubber boot comes off to access the seal location just like a 348 i suppose. Is the second seal removed and replaced from inside the transaxle cavity or from inside the engine oil sump cavity with the lower sump pan removed? Does anyone have actual photos showing both seals in their respective locations or can clarify this? I

    there are some threads on F chat saying you need to remove the engine oil sump pan, dip stick tube assembly, sensor etc to do this job and others say it is not required to remove all of this but can anyone clarify this for me if I need to remove the engine oil sump? removing the engine sump would be the biggest PITA of this job if can avoid it as it is very hard to get the dipstick tube off with a conventional sized spanner. I already drained the oils and only removed the transaxle sump pan. I removed the center console and shifter box and moved the shift rod all the way back against the rear wall to make room to get the other part of the shift shaft out to change the silent block and shaft seals

    posted the factory diagram and a shaft image i found for reference only below.


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  2. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #2 moysiuan, Apr 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 12:34 AM
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  3. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
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    #3 pshoejberg, Apr 15, 2025 at 7:51 AM
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM
    I removed the shift shaft seals from my QV yesterday and I took a couple of pictures. The inner shaft seal is easier to get to from the engine sump side but you can also get to it from the gearbox side. You will have to remove the support plate for the rocker arms to access the shaft hole. On the picture below you see the hole for the shaft in the lower right corner. Make or find a small tool that can reach into the hole so that you can pry out the round seal. Note the direction of the lip on the seal, it shall point towards the engine sump.

    Best, Peter
     

    Attached Files:

  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    Mitchell Le
    If this is your first time, you will be less frustrated if you removed the engine oil pan and gearbox oil pan. After you have done it a couple times, only one will be necessary, and you won't need to touch your center console at all.
     
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  5. Jerry458

    Jerry458 Karting

    Nov 6, 2024
    53
    NYC
    thanks do you have any more photos to post up here?
     
  6. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    I agree!
     
  7. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    May 11, 2013
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    If you remove the right fender liner and remove/push aside the alternator it gives much easier access to the dipstick tube nut.
     
  8. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    The seal between engine and gearbox can be done with only removing the gearbox oil pan. Before putting a new seal in, make sure you put the shaft back just in front of the engine side opening to avoid that the seal slips into the engine sump.
     
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  9. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
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    Lawrence A. Coppari
    I replaced my seals about 8 years ago. I was unable to get the dipstick off - simply not strong enough to loosen the upper hex from lower hex. I ended up drawing a line on the dipstick below the bend and cutting it with a pipe cutter (leaves no metal residue). I mounted the lower nut in a vise, then used a cheater bar on the nut that holds the dipstick in place. I nearly turned my workbench over. It was ridiculously tight. I butt welded the dipstick back together and repainted it.
     
  10. pshoejberg

    pshoejberg Formula 3
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    No, I didn't really take any more detailed pictures of any great interest. It's not rocket science. Two things to remember, don't remove the steel washer that keeps the seal in place. Pick the seal out with something pointed without scratching the aluminum seat. Turn the new seals correctly (Lips against the engine oil) and insert them with you fingers without loosing them into the engine sump (Soften them up with hot water). Ensure the shaft is without any sharp edges and "scratch" the seal surface on the shaft with a grade 500 to 1000 wet sanding paper before greasing and carefully inserting the shaft.

    Best, Peter
     
  11. Jerry458

    Jerry458 Karting

    Nov 6, 2024
    53
    NYC
    Thanks Peter something I never asked regarding this do you need to tap the seals in place on either end with a socket to bottom them out or you just push them in place with your finger? I will use a small right angle pick to pull out the originals.
     
  12. theunissenguido

    theunissenguido F1 Rookie
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    Peter, I dont think those seals have lips...just round rubber rings (OEM) or square (Verrell seals).
     
  13. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    All 328 and all later 308 have brake cylinder type seals, not O rings. I guess you skipped a lot of the thread.
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Good summation.
     
  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    My very first time I did not remove the oil pan. Never have. Some of us prefer to work efficiently, not waste time and not needlessly disassemble cars for the sake of it.
     
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