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When removing CV joint I caused fluid leaking near the transmission

Tiny
KTHEBUM
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD ESCAPE
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I was attempting to replace the CV joint on the front passenger side, and could not get the part out no matter how hard I tried (used slide hammer etc). Today I pulled so hard that transmission fluid started pouring out somewhere closer to the transmission. I can't tell where exactly. The CV joint is still attached to the intermediate shaft, but looks like it may have moved a little and might come out with more pulling. I don't want to cause any further damage, though.

Any guess what I knocked loose? And what the repair would be? Is there some seal I need to replace, or maybe the entire intermediate shaft?
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 12:29 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
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From what you described, I am sure this is the axle shaft seal that is on the side of the transmission and allows the axle shaft to go through it and connect to the transmission.

I attached the process on how to replace this for the passenger side. If this doesn't appear to be the issue, then get a picture of where the leak is coming from and we can figure this out. Thanks
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
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Thank you!

Would it be normal for all of the transmission fluid to come out because of this? Attached is a video I took after I pulled the intermediate shaft out (I plan on replacing that as well because I could never get the CV axle off of it). There was hardly any fluid left at that point but you can see it dripping out still. Do you think I just need to replace the seal, or possibly the bushing inside as well?

Also, it appears another problem that arose out of me pulling too hard on the CV joint is that a chunk of metal tore off where the intermediate shaft/heat shield bolts on to the car. So there's only one bolt left unless I can get someone to weld the chunk of metal back with the bolt in place. I assume it is imperative that I have both bolts secured before I drive the vehicle, but I don't have welding tools/experience. I would welcome your thoughts on this issue as well if you don't mind. I can send a picture later if that would help.

Thanks again for your help!
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
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Never mind on it being all of the transmission fluid. Realizing now there were probably 4-5 quarts in there to begin with, and I don't think quite that much came out. It was a significant amount, though. Probably a 4 ft. Diameter puddle.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
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That does not look too bad. However, if it were me I would replace that axle shaft seal when putting the axle back in just to be safe. Clearly you don't want to pull it back out to replace the seal if it is leaking.

As for the piece of metal missing. Can you get a picture of that? Depending on where it is, you may not need to repair it at all or you may have to replace the whole thing. Let's get a picture and go from there. Thanks
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. I plan on replacing the seal before put the axle back in.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture today, but I found the attached diagram on the Ford parts website that shows the part I am talking about. I've circled the part in yellow and drew a red line where it broke off. This is basically a bracket that is mounted to the car and the intermediate axle shaft is mounted to it so it stays in place. I'm not sure if it would actually have to support weight. With where it broke, there is still one of the two mounting bolts intact to hold the intermediate axle in place. I have some J-B Weld epoxy I can use to reattach the piece that broke off, but I don't want to rely on that if this piece bears a lot of weight.

If this is still unclear, I can send an actual picture tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your help. I think I am getting close!
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
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I forgot to attach the diagram I was referring to in my last response. See attached.
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Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
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Okay. I got it. Like you said that is the mount for the intermediate shaft. I would not be too confident that repairing that will hold up. However, it is worth a try. The fact that it has two mounting bolts, I would clearly torque down the other bolt but then take it easy with the one that broke off.

I would definitely take it to a machine shop and have it welded back on rather then JB welding it. I don't think that will last long at all.
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
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Understood. I found a new bracket for a reasonable price so I’m just going to replace the whole part. Thanks again for all your help, it’s very much appreciated!
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Thursday, June 11th, 2020 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
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You are very welcome. I think that is the better route. JB weld is some amazing stuff. I have seen it hold up to 60 lbs on a connection point but I would not rick it on something like this.

Let us know if you need more info. Thanks for the update.
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Friday, June 12th, 2020 AT 6:24 PM

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