I'm No Pro

I have the automatic transmission out and am rebuilding it. Milage is 132M.

Is there any reason not to change the rear seal at this point? There is no problem with it but as long as I'm in there.....The Bentley refers to a couple of special tools which I do not have, and a needle bearing extractor which I do not have.

Anyone who has done this care to comment on this? Is this a no brainer?

Thanks!

audiqv8

As long as you're in there change the rear main seal and also check the rack. It is so much easier to work on the rack with the transmission out

Kneale Brownson

Probably worth changing both the needle bearing and the seal. Today, you can get the seal by itself and have to deal with the special tools issue or you can get the seal incorporated in a plate that bolts in place of the one currently containing the seal. Some sources may only have the latter. It's a bit more pricey but a lot more positive regarding installation.

I've read you can "pump" out the bearing by filling the hollow behind it, as well as the inside of the cage assembly, with grease and then inserting something that's just the size of the ID of that opening and hitting the latter with a soft hammer. The action is supposed to release the bearing and gradually drive it out. One of those needle-type fittings on your grease gun can get grease in behind the bearing.

I'm No Pro

I see an option of a seal that has an inner lip that looks like it may fit directly over or inside the inner lip of the the old one?

Here is the link what do you think of this one?

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A805925535GOE.JPG

Thanks!

Kneale Brownson

That image is the "old" seal. The new one with the plate is #7 in the picture

<img src="http://www.vagcat.com/epc/etka/B111/001150.png">

You'd need the gasket shown too. That's part # 026103181B


The link goes to another view from a supplier<ul><li><a href="http://www.autohausaz.com/search/productx.aspx?sid=l5sc0aept5ik2faclpofwx55&amp;par tnumber=068%20103%20171%20F">new type seal</a></li></ul>

I'm No Pro

This is the "old" style correct?

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A806025168.JPG

And a variation to the "old" style?

http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A805925535GOE.JPG

These are two distinctly different parts. My question is how does this variation to the old style seal fit? Does it simply slide over the existing seal?