Advice for removing half shafts

[mike92782]

Does anyone have advice for removing the output shafts from the transmission? I have oil leaks from both the right and left shafts. I have ordered, and received, the lip seals, "O" rings, and roll pins from JAE in Goletta, CA. I have read the transmission fluid change procedures on LEW, so I just want to confirm that I can remove the shafts be tapping out the roll pins and slide the shaft out from the spline to get to the seals. Any thoughts or recommendations? BTW, I purchased my 1991 Esprit SE in June.

[CarlC]

Does anyone have advice for removing the output shafts from the transmission?

Edited September 29, 2005 by CarlC

[mike92782]

Sorry no advice, but I have the same problem, so if you do make any progress before I do please post back any info.

Please could you tell me how much the bits were to do the job ?

Good luck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The parts were US$75.00 and arrived the day after ordering! I am going to undertake this job Saturday, as long as the Snap-On 4pt,10mm socket arrives Friday for the transmission plugs, and will attempt to take digital photos for everyone.

Mike

[pitstoppete]

silly roll pins are fun if u havent done them before. oil everywhere if u dont drain it all b4 removing shafts. all straight forward really. silicon (or whatever they say to use) sealing the pins is well worth taking some time and cleanliness over too (oil goes down the splines, then down the pins).

maybe worth making up or borrowing a tool to get the seals in straight too. when youve got the shaft out, its the time replace do any dodgy gaitors too (cheap to do)

[CarlC]

Great! I looking forward to seeing the pics of the job and hearing how you get on.

I need to get this done on my car, urgently!

two quick question,

Is there an easy way to check the transmission fluid level ?

If my transmission fuild was running low is there anything in the gearbox that could rattle like a loose motor bike chain ?

[lotus4s]

You pretty much have it except that you will probably have to disconnect the upper suspension link in order to move the hub enough to disengage the shaft from the splines.

Other misc. notes:

If you don't have the proper Lotus seal installation tool be sure to note how deep the seals are pressed into the housing before you remove the old ones and set the new ones to the same depth as there is no shoulder in the housing to set the seals against. Lacking the proper tool you will need something to press the seals in such as an appropriate large socket or you can easily muck up the new ones.

Also the roll-pin holes only line up one way so be sure to index (mark) the half-shaft hub and axle spline to save yourself a headache later with the pins.

Good quality punches/drifts in varying sizes and lengths will be needed as there is not a lot of room to maneuver the punch and hammer particularly on the right side. The pins are a tight fit and take several pretty good blows to set but you should feel them moving each time you strike the punch. If you get to the point that they seem to stop and are stuck, don't keep pounding on them or you will bend or break them inside the axle and will rue the day you decided to take on this task......(in other words you're screwed)

Good luck!

Jim

[lotus4s]

If my transmission fuild was running low is there anything in the gearbox that could rattle like a loose motor bike chain ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, the gears that are about to explode and cost you thousands of pounds...

Actually, that is only half joking. The gearbox should not be making any such noises and I would not drive it until you check the fluid. If it's low then fill it and see if it stops the noise. If it doesn't then I would suggest parking it until it's repaired. Nothing in the gearbox is cheap to fix but the crown/pinion gears are what you least want to have a problem with...

Only way to check the fluid is to remove the fill plug and look inside. You know it's full when it runs out of the hole when filling it.

Cheers,

Jim

[CarlC]

Yes, the gears that are about to explode and cost you thousands of pounds...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the warning Jim . Im not sure exactly where the noise is coming from at the moment its just a hunch as its only started recently and with the leaking seals, would seem to tie in. I have only driven it a very short distance since the noise started and I wont drive it again until I've at least re-filled the transmission fluid and know its full.

Thanks for the advice.

[DAVES_GT3]

i had my drive shaft oil seals replaced in july after being told they needed doing by a specalist. i wasnt convinced but let them get on with it. the one is leaking again, is this common or heard of? im just wondering if they did actually replace them as they were only done 12000 miles ago at lotus. i thought they would have lasted longer than this?

also does the transmission oil have 2 be drained to change them? only reason i ask is i am changing the oil but didnt want to change it for it to be drained after a weeks use!!!

thanks

dave

[glynherron]

I drain my gbox oil into a clean 5 litre plastic oil container that has a rectangle cut out of one face. You don't have to drain the oil, but its very messy.

A few words of wisdom:

Make sure the filler plug comes out before you drain

Always refill when your on level ground

Consider refitting the bottom plug with the renauly part that has a magnet incorporated into it.

Hope this helps

Glyn

Question from me: What part cross references the driveshaft CV joint boots (gaitors)?

These are

[DAVES_GT3]

I drain my gbox oil into a clean 5 litre plastic oil container that has a rectangle cut out of one face.  You don't have to drain the oil, but its very messy.

A few words of wisdom:

Make sure the filler plug comes out before you drain

Always refill when your on level ground

Consider refitting the bottom plug with the renauly part that has a magnet incorporated into it.

Hope this helps

Glyn

Question from me:  What part cross references the driveshaft CV joint boots (gaitors)?

These are

[glynherron]

There was no problem fitting the original, but mine was knackered.

Got the plug from my local Renault.

Acts as a second magnet, which hopefully catches any particles that the magnet in the box misses

Abouy

Edited September 29, 2005 by glynherron

[lotus4s]

i had my drive shaft oil seals replaced in july after being told they needed doing by a specalist. i wasnt convinced but let them get on with it. the one is leaking again, is this common or heard of? im just wondering if they did actually replace them as they were only done 12000 miles ago at lotus. i thought they would have lasted longer than this?

also does the transmission oil have 2 be drained to change them? only reason i ask is i am changing the oil but didnt want to change it for it to be drained  after a weeks use!!!

thanks

dave

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dave,

It's common for them to leak and it seems some cars have more of a problem than others for whatever reason. (hey it's a Lotus )

If you are going to do the seals, change the oil then. When you pull the half-shafts it will leak out to the level of the bottom of the axle which is lower than the fill plug and as Glyn said it's quite messy.

Cheers,

Jim

[DAVES_GT3]

Dave,

It's common for them to leak and it seems some cars have more of a problem than others for whatever reason. (hey it's a Lotus  )

If you are going to do the seals, change the oil then. When you pull the half-shafts it will leak out to the level of the bottom of the axle which is lower than the fill plug and as Glyn said it's quite messy.

Cheers,

Jim

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would do it jim but they havent been done long so they can have it back at the garage!! not spending

[lotus4s]

I would do it jim but they havent been done long so they can have it back at the garage!! not spending

[DAVES_GT3]

That's even better if you can have the garage do it again at no charge (which they should).

Did they not change the fluid when it was done the first time?

Jim

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who knows Jim.

They tried to tell me i needed a turbo when i didnt so i cant be sure its taf-x. its clear oil coming out but obviously i want to make sure its taf-x that is in there.

Just ordered the plug from renault

Edited October 3, 2005 by DAVES_GT3