Guys, I'm trying to find online just how involved replacing the front transmission seal is. Guess I'm trying to determine two things:

1- That they actually did this work, and not pour some stop leak in there (seems quick to be completed)
2- If the seal was replaced, just how involved is this?

I looked on YouTube and ran into this clutch repair thingy. Dear LORD, if what was done to my MINI is THIS involved, will my MINI ever be the same? My gosh, this is frightening. :(

Anyone know if replacing a front transmission seal for a 6 speed involves something as horrifying as this ....

Regards,
David

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Hi everyone!

Well, my MINI and I were reunited this morning and everything appears to be OK. The repair invoice (no charge of course) reads, "673 driver side output shaft seal failure - removed driver side axle shaft seal replaced with new. Topped off transmission fluid. Test drove. Leak did not return, issue corrected."

Hope that does it. I asked the Service Adviser if this was a complicated task, and he stated it was quite simple to do.

As promised, I said I'd let everyone know the outcome. Thanks to everyone for your time, advise and much valued feedback.

Regards,
David

 

They have to remove the transmission, maybe separate the casing. I wouldn't worry, they should be able to put it back together just the same. Good thing is you have plenty of warranty if there is a complication.
Edit- just the axle shaft seal, that's not bad at all!

 

Not sure what the last poster was trying to say with his edit, but I don't believe it was necessary to remove and disassemble the transmission.

 

Thanks Rick and JAB. I wasn't sure what was being replaced when I left. I remember hearing inner seal, so I started searching on Google. My wife heard me say, "Oh nooooo!!" She came in and asked what was wrong. I told her, "They're going to MUTILATE my MINI!" as some of the images I was seeing involved practically tearing the whole front half of the car down. Needless to say I was worried, because despite being a MINI dealership/service establishment, one can't help but worry if it would be put back as it was.

I guess the driver side axle shaft seal isn't so bad. I'm at the office, but will take a peak when I get home underneath.

Wheeeeeew. :(

Regards,
David

 

An axle seal is not a big deal. It is the seal where the axle enters the transmission. My 09 justa had one that was repaired for $350.00. No worries.

 

Thank you my friend. I checked under him today when I got home and so far ..... no leaks. (Fingers crossed)

Regards,
David

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Hi everyone.

Not sure if anyone will see this thread because it's been a while, but here goes. This oil leak is back, or maybe it never stopped. The service dept said it was fixed, and the part replaced. However, a few days later I looked underneath the car and noticed a shiny substance in this same area. Not a drop, but more like a sweating of oil in that same area -- if that makes any sense.

I wiped the area bone clean and waited a while. Sure enough, I looked under there again and noticed a shiny oily film on that same area. It even looks like it may have blown back slightly on the under-plastic parts.

I have an appt with the service center again tomorrow (costing me time off from work). Any idea what I should say to these folks?

Regards,
David

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Hi, Have them check the shaft and the machined surface the seal sits in. Have all the parts that are necessary to resolve the problem replaced possibly the shaft. Ask to see all the offensive parts. Remind them this is the second time you have had to come in to have them deal with this, and if this can not be resolved you would ask that the vehicle be replaced. Be sure to see the condition of the surface the seal sits in as this is important and the seals are a tight fit. Also have them check the case seals, from the way this is made I would think it is the shaft seal though. Be firm but polite and be sure to state what you want, the reps will do their best for you but they do have to get passed the BMW people. If this is fixed it should not be a problem though. If you have to wait around test drive a few cars and have some fun.

 

Hi Euler,

Thanks for the excellent response. I wasn't sure if these threads go away after a while so I started another one. Anyway, here's what I wrote on the other one which sounds like they're replacing exactly what you're describing.

Thoughts?

Regards,
David

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