Trans fluid on the rear of the trans? Likely the tail housing seal. Cheap part, easy fix — but ignoring it costs you.
Shop rebuild kits and parts by transmission
What the tail housing seal does
- Seals output shaft where driveshaft yoke enters
- Keeps trans fluid from leaking out around yoke
- Subject to constant rotation wear
- Wear out at high mileage
Symptoms
- Fluid drips at rear of trans (yoke area)
- Yoke wet with fluid
- Driveway spots near rear of trans
- Slow loss over time
- Read our transmission warning signs
Diagnosis
- Verify leak is from tail housing (not pan, not cooler line)
- Clean area, drive, recheck
- Fluid coming from yoke area = tail seal
- Fluid from gasket = pan or housing-case gasket
Replacement procedure
- Vehicle on jack stands
- Remove driveshaft
- Pry old seal out with seal puller
- Clean bore
- Tap new seal in with proper driver (don't damage)
- Inspect yoke surface for wear groove
- Worn yoke = replace or repair sleeve
- Reinstall driveshaft
- Top off fluid
- Read our transmission seal vs gasket
Cost
- Tail housing seal: $10-$25
- Yoke repair sleeve (if needed): $20-$40
- DIY install: 30-60 minutes
- Shop labor: $100-$200
Time: 30-60 minutes
Yoke condition critical
- Inspect yoke surface where seal rides
- Smooth surface = seal will work
- Groove worn = new seal won't seal
- Speedi-Sleeve or new yoke required
Common mistakes
- Installing seal crooked (use proper driver)
- Ignoring worn yoke (seal fails again)
- Skipping fluid top-off
- Read our transmission rebuild mistakes
Don't ignore
- Continued leak = low fluid = trans damage
- $10 seal vs $1500+ rebuild
- Read our how to check transmission fluid
Need tail housing seals or yoke parts? Shop our catalog. Seals, repair sleeves, complete rebuild kits. Free shipping over $70.
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