77 Fiat 124 - Transmission Output Shaft Leaking

[MichaelAZ]

The output shaft is leaking on my manual 5 speed. I've read the manual, watched, the videos, etc. I understand the process and it looks easy to do, on a bench or if you have a lift (which I do not). I really do not want to pull the transmission to do this. Given that I can only get the car so high on jackstands, can this be done fairly easily with limited space? Besides the obvious stuff (mind the Guibo ) are there any other challenges that come up with trying to do this "In vehicle" ? Thank you.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I think it could be done although I've never done it. You'd need to remove the driveshaft (or at least get it out of the way), and loosen the large nut on that 3-prong output flange. You can use a long large bolt in one of the holes to jam it into a recess on the transmission housing to prevent the flange from turning as you loosen the nut (it comes off in the normal direction).

Once the 3-prong flange is removed, you can drill a small hole in the metal part of the seal, screw in a screw, and yank on that screw to pull the seal out. Sometimes this takes more than one attempt. I'd resist the urge to use a chisel or the like to remove the seal as this often damages the metal (aluminum) opening that the seal fits into.

Reinstallation is the reverse of disassembly.

-Bryan