One of the chronic problems with the old TF-413 series transmissions are drive axle leaks. Since that series of transmissions is decreasing through attrition, we will discuss drivel axle leaks with e TF 604 series front wheel drive transmissions. Both problems and fixes are the same procedures, except for part numbers. More front wheel drive Chrysler TF 604 transmissions have failed and re-failed, causing the need for a transmission for sale, than I can count. And I owned a transmission rebuilding company for 26 years.
The problem stems from the bearings that support the differential assembly become weak, thus allowing enough movement of the axle shafts to cause the seals to leak. Even installing a new seal won’t work for long. Over the years several cures have been designed by Chrysler and the aftermarket companies. The products range from a well made axle saver kit for the passenger side axle by the factory and several other aftermarket versions that dip into the ‘mickey mouse’ category. The drivers side axle, which is the most common side to leak has no viable cure.
The only way to cure the problem on a long term basis may cost more than using axle savers or replacing seals, except another leak if the permanent cure is not used. Which means at sometime in the future, usually near future you will return to the repair shop with the same leak. Making an uncomfortable situation for both you the customer and the shop. I don’t think the shops that use the saver kits have bad intentions, but if you have to have the problem re-solved on a regular basis, than in essence you have spent more money than the permanent cure I will mention shortly, not to mention the downtime and possibility of damaging your transmission enough so that you will need a rebuilt transmission for sale from fluid loss.
The only realistic and nearly permanent cure is to replace the axle bearings, bearing races and seals with American made bearings. Once the bearing starts to get weak, it can not support the axle properly in the housing, thus causing the seal to leak. The transmission tool industry has produced a specialty tool that will remove the bearings from the differential carrier while the transmission is in the car. It is not a particularly easy job and takes at least a few hours. At my shop we choose to remove the transmission and make the repair on the ‘bench’. The main reason for that was in the long run it was easier and not much more time was involved. We also could take a few extra minutes to examine the transmission for damage, and as a bonus we would change all of the seals which can leak externally. It seems reasonable to replace old seals that can not be changed while the transmission was still in the vehicle. We also replaced the front pump seal and bushing, since they inevitably start to leak soon after you release the car to the customer.
We felt that in essence, we were not really doing the job properly unless we did a full ‘reseal’. In fact, at my shop, we generally turned down any work we could not do properly. Meaning we did not want an unnecessary re-occurrence. Which makes the customer unhappy and doubles your workload to have to do the job again.
In most cases this does not require a rebuilt Dodge transmission. Although many times people ignore these tell-tale signs and eventually ruin their transmission from running it low on automatic transmission fluid all the time. If your transmission is in need of a rebuild, here is my advise. Eliminate any guessing games about what company really does the job right. Call GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182..
