Transmission fluid leaking after replacing the passenger side CV axle oil seal?

Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 NISSAN MURANO
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,700 MILES
So, I was changing the CV axle oil seal on passenger side and when removing it as I have done once before it let out an immense amount of transmission fluid. Well, after replacing the seal it is now flowing fluid out when I start it and shift gears while still in my driveway with my foot on the brake. What can cause this and how can I fix it and is it going to be expensive?
Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 9:07 AM

19 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
It sounds like the seal is not in correctly or the CV axle is not all the way installed into the transaxle. If you can upload a video or picture of the leak, I can tell for sure. Here are the instructions for replacing the CV axle and seal. Make sure you don't damage the seal upon installation. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, July 27th, 2022 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
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This seal is a beast, but it came out easier than going back in and I've had to get a new seal 3 times because when putting it back in the outer rubber part rips. Is there a tool I can get to keep it from ripping when I put it back in? As for it not being in all the way would I be able to put it all back together wheel and all. If it's not I will do a video shortly to show you, but I think you have been helping me with a lot of the issues I have had with this truck.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, sounds good. If I can see what's going on I can help you.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
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  • 28 POSTS
Here's the best video I can get with this phone. It is worse if it's jacked up though.
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 1:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the video. Yep, do not run the car anymore. Can you tell if the CV axle is installed completely because with a leak that size it seems like it is not all the way in?
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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
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  • 40 POSTS
I'm assuming it is. I was able to put everything back together, but can it still not be on all the way, or could the seal be damaged from me having issues putting it in and thus causing this leak and I have not been able to drive it much at all since I bought it for 1 issue or another.
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Friday, July 29th, 2022 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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If you can jack it up and get a good shot of the axle going into the transmission I can tell for sure. You don't need to run the car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, July 30th, 2022 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
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Okay, I'm going out shortly to jack it up, its raining here.
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Sunday, July 31st, 2022 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
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Here's a couple videos:
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Sunday, July 31st, 2022 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sorry, the video does not show the axle but for a split seconds but from what I could see it is not installed completely. I would remove the axle and adjust the "C" clip so it is not so tight, also you can use grease to help center the clip when you installing the axle. This clip is what holds the axle out from being installed completely.
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Sunday, July 31st, 2022 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
  • MEMBER
  • 28 POSTS
C clip, I don't know what this is, but as for grease around the seal any specific type and is there a tool to help push it in without ripping the rubber part that the axle fits into?
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Sunday, July 31st, 2022 AT 11:28 PM
Tiny
1977WIMMS
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I will send pics of the axle and seal once I get it off tomorrow.
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Monday, August 1st, 2022 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sorry, your car does not have a C clip so no worries there. You could have the wrong axle though (too short) I would match it to the old unit once you have it out. There is no tool that can help you install the axle into the seal, use motor oil to lubricate it and gently install it.
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Monday, August 1st, 2022 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
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I've had this axle in now almost 2 years and driven the truck would it do this if it was too short.
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Monday, August 1st, 2022 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
  • MEMBER
  • 40 POSTS
Idk what's going on but I posted some videos and pics of the axle the other day and the post isn't on here now.
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Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
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When I replaced the axle I did put them side by side and they matched I posted pics of them but don't see the post now and no the seal wasn't in all the way I ordered a new one. I will try once I get it to update you.
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Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, I see the videos of the leak but not of the axle? It takes time for the videos to upload fyi.
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Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
MISSWIMMS77
  • MEMBER
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Update: is that I bought a new seal placed it onto the axle and then put the axle in. I got about 95% completely in there's just a small area at the top near the front of truck. I can reach causing it to only drip steadily verses flow like before when in park. Now that I'll have a shop finish, so I don't damage the seal for the fifth time just trying to get it in but after it's been running say 5 to 10 minutes it begins to smoke from under the engine bay. Could this just be spilled fluid burning off? Once the engine gets hot enough do you want a video trying to show you what I mean?
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nope, its okay, I have always installed the seal first so I am not sure why this is such a trouble.
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 12:11 PM

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