I replaced the transmission pan gasket and filter over the weekend to solve a leak. In the process of buttoning things up, I also found a leak on the side of the transmission. Not the best pic:
It appears the RTV seal between the trans case and the side cover that also serves as the mounting bracket is leaking. The trans is a Toyota U151E, used in many of their Camry-platform products. I watched a YouTube video of someone tearing one down to rebuild it - the side cover has three sealing rings, a bearing and a clutch drum - go to 3:30 in this video:
So, I have a feeling in order to properly repair this leak, the drivetrain will need to be dropped and the transmission will need to be at the least overhauled with a soft parts kit less clutches/steels/pistons and ideally rebuilt with new clutches, pistons and a welded planetary. Should I even attempt to take the side case off in the car, exercise all precautions to avoid dirt getting into the open case and just reseal it?
It appears the RTV seal between the trans case and the side cover that also serves as the mounting bracket is leaking. The trans is a Toyota U151E, used in many of their Camry-platform products. I watched a YouTube video of someone tearing one down to rebuild it - the side cover has three sealing rings, a bearing and a clutch drum - go to 3:30 in this video:
So, I have a feeling in order to properly repair this leak, the drivetrain will need to be dropped and the transmission will need to be at the least overhauled with a soft parts kit less clutches/steels/pistons and ideally rebuilt with new clutches, pistons and a welded planetary. Should I even attempt to take the side case off in the car, exercise all precautions to avoid dirt getting into the open case and just reseal it?