MrEldo97 Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 At 112,500 miles my '97 Eldorado needs a little TLC - age and mileage equals some repairs... Started collecting parts with which to replace the front struts; struts, strut bearings and mounts and sway bar end links. Radio antenna is stuck up so I'm going to have to check that out and fix it. Also have a tranny leak. I'm going to try to locate that tomorrow morning. It's a fairly substantial leak too. Looks like it's coming from in front. Of course the easy way out is just a loose fitting on the trans cooler that's leaking. Not so easy is an axle seal. Really sh*tty would be the pump seal. We'll see... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Tranny leak If whoever changed the filters used an aftermarket filter kit, a CORK pan gasket comes with the kit. THAT IS THE WORST gasket to use, mine leaked like a sieve.. check for the original pan gasket its a SEAL NOT a cork gasket. IF you need axle seals that is NOT a big deal at all, I changed both PUMP SEAL? the pump is internal, behind the side cover, the side cover gasket could leak but mine was not. The fluid CAN leach down the tranny electrical connector check that. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEldo97 Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 I service the trans and reuse the original gasket. Thanks for the heads up on the electrical connector - I hadn't thought of that. I don't mind repairs like this as the car runs better than it did when it was new. I take care of it and it takes care of me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEldo97 Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Looks like the front pump seal. Trans fluid leaking is visible at the joint between the side cover and the trans case. I really don't feel like dropping the cradle to do this job; does anyone have any estimates on having a shop do it? $80.00 (estimated shop rate) per hour plus the seal and fluid... Thanks, Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Looks like the front pump seal. Trans fluid leaking is visible at the joint between the side cover and the trans case. I really don't feel like dropping the cradle to do this job; does anyone have any estimates on having a shop do it? $80.00 (estimated shop rate) per hour plus the seal and fluid... Thanks, Roger That is NOT the front pump seal that is the side cover gasket, pumps are internal to the transmission. It requires tilting the engine carriage to gain access to the side cover. Make sure its not case porosity. Try nipping up the side cover bolts Here is a photo of the gasket, it is a sandwiched aluminum gasket with a rubber material covering both sides: Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEldo97 Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks, the side cover gasket... Didn't think of that. Is failure of these gaskets a fairly common occurence over 100,000 miles? The trans lis leaking right around the first of two 15mm cap screws on the bottom right over the lower control arm. Checked out both screws and they are tight. I will either repair it or have it repaired, just have a mental block about dropping/tilting that cradle... Having done it once I don't relish the thought of dropping it a second time. I still may have a shop do this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks, the side cover gasket... Didn't think of that. Is failure of these gaskets a fairly common occurence over 100,000 miles? The trans lis leaking right around a bolt on the bottom right over the lower control arm. I will have it repaired, just have a mental block about dropping/tilting that cradle... I still may have a shop do this... Not really, I replaced it because I had the side cover off to replace the ISS, TCC and Pressure solenoids. Physically this was a hard job. Check it close for cracks, looseness. try taking the bolt out and looking the surrounding area, try thread sealer. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEldo97 Posted February 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 Thanks, The first time I dropped this cradle (my Timesert job) it was a lot of heavy, hard work that I just don't want to do any more. I love my Eldorado but I really hate front wheel drive and jobs like this is why. Nothing is easy regardless of the make. In contrast my '95 XJS (4.0 I6) is a dream to work on. It's a complex car to be sure but there is plenty of access in the engine bay and under the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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