Always replace the torque converter seal

[whunter]

Save yourself major pain.

Always replace the torque converter seal, before installing a transmission or engine!!!

* The seal is cheap.
* It is a simple DIY with the engine or transmission removed.
* You do not want to pull the transmission later, just to replace this leaking seal.


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[engatwork]

It is quite easy to replace with the tranny on a bench.

[97 SL320]

Changing might not be a good idea for some home mechanics. One of the risks are gouging the seal bore during removal so a leak path is made between the seal and bore.

There is a more subtle risk that sometimes occurs while the seal is hammered in, any care to guess? Hint, it is not distorting the seal. That can occur but generally isn't too big of a deal if the seal is bottomed in the bore / seal flange against top of bore and it flattens back out.

For those more advanced it would be a good idea to change the front pump bushing as these are high wear items in some transmissions. If the engine rear seal is one piece, changing it at the same time is a good idea too.