1. Oil leaks frequently occur due to wear of the drive axle oil seals. Replacement of these seals is relatively easy, since the repair can usually be performed without removing the transaxle from the vehicle.
2. Drive axle oil seals are located at the sides of the transaxle, where the drive axles are attached. If leakage at the seal is suspected, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. If the seal is leaking, lubricant will be found on the sides of the transaxle, below the seals.
4. Use a screwdriver or prybar to carefully pry the oil seal out of the transaxle bore (see illustration).
i.4 Insert the tip of a large screwdriver or prybar behind the oil seal and very carefully pry it out
5. If the oil seal cannot be removed with a screwdriver or prybar, a special oil seal removal tool (available at auto parts stores) will be required.
6. Using a large section of pipe or a large deep socket (slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the seal) as a drift, install the new oil seal (see illustration). Drive it into the bore squarely and make sure it’s completely seated. Coat the seal lip with transaxle lubricant.
i.6 Using a large socket or a section of pipe, drive the new seal squarely into the bore
7. Install the drive axle (s). Be careful not to damage the lip of the new seal.
