Targatheory

Racing Beat offers this product http://racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

So, I am in the midst of waiting on clutch/flywheel parts and though I've read up a lot on the tranny, clutch, and flywheel on this board, I still haven't found a reason to change these seals out.

Is this a vital step for preventative maintenance, or is it more a "you're gonna be in there anyway" type deal?

Some input (no pun intended) please.

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

i never have changed them-trans has been out 4-5 times.
OD

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Front --- No, You dont want to touch that unless its really leaking.

The Rear --- yes, change it, its easy, just swap it out. flat head screw driver thats all u need (assume the transmission is down already of course)

Targatheory

Hm,

Olddragger, you are probably more experienced/careful with transmission removal than I will be when I first take it out in hopefully a couple weeks. Is the cause of these seal failures really just the few moments of stress they may take when removing the transmission, or are there other heat/pressure related issues that may damage them while driving?

And, NYCGPS, what does your name mean?

Lol, naw. Do you recommend the rear only because it is far easier to change it compared to the front. Racing beat charges 30 bucks for these two seals, any reason to not change both?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

the biggest concern is that ---- these seals are made from rubber. they do and will break one day. and they're not expensive. why not replace it ?

The front dont suffer as much stress as the rear one (during removal)

another problem is that front seal is requires MUCH more work to replace, and the chance of "**** ups" are much higher than the rear one.

If you are doing the FW/clutch/tranny swap on your own and you have MAD free time, sure why not? just change it all, Cuz Im sure you cared about your car (and tranny) more than anybody works at the shop, right?

Take your time, and do it right.

Long story. rather not talk about it.

Thats one reason. See the other reason above.

Targatheory

Haha, will be ordering Racing Beats seal kit. Once I get the tranny out, I'll make the impetuous decision on whether I will change the front.

Oh, and my guess is that you live in NY, and always need a GPS unit because you get lost all the time. Lol.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

When you have the tranny down, You will see what I mean.

Nope, exactly opposite. I can go 75% of the NYC without looking at Maps/GPS.

But my name has nothing to do with the "GPS" that you're thinking.

NY part is right.

corners

I wouldn't bother. The tech who rebuilt my transmission (a couple of synchros and a bearing under warranty) screwed up installing my new front seal and the transmission leaked when I got it back. It took the dealer 3 tries to fix it, and I'm still not sure its right. Seal installation can be tricky, and since you have to put the transmission back in the car and drive it to tell if its fixed, I wouldn't bother. It should last just as long as the rear main seal on the engine.