'89 BRII 2.9L trans. problem

[notford]

A month ago my automatic transmission had a major leak from the bell housing. I was told it was the front seal. I changed the seal and now it is leaking again. Has anyone had a problem with these seals going bad repeatedly? Also, does anyone know what could be building up enough pressure to make this seal fail?

One more question, before the seals started failing while driving the overdrive would kick in and out. Does this have anything to do with it? Thanks...

[Truck]

Check the Vaccuum Modulator. Usually, it's the Bell-shaped thing with a hose on one end (leading to the Radiator). This is what regulates the Fluid Pressure to allow you to switch gears. If you mistreat your truck (like downshifting downhill) The Modulator goes "kaput" from the stress. I believe this is what killed My AT (It also has a broken bellhousing-so It's not worth rebuilding.)

I have no idea what it would cost to replace the unit, or how to check it. I just had a bunch of ATF pour out from under my carriage after about 2 weeks of No-Reverse Driving. A mechanic friend of mine has replaced them in other Fords (Explorer)-so that's what I'm basing this on. (My other mechanic friend told me about leaving an AT in highgear when you go downhill-Uphill is fine to downshift.)

[90BroncoIIguy]

Ford did have a problem with repetative front seal blow outs. If you have access to Alldata you can pull the bulletin about it. But if the first seal lasted a while it was probably just worn out, but with the second one already leaking, makes me wonder if it was staked properly, thats all that really holds it in. I had a trans shop install a new converter bushing and seal on mine, and they just used a blunt end chisel and hammer and staked the area around the seal in three places, so far no problems. hope this helps

[Escorts4ever]

There are a couple of things that I do when I rebuild a A4LD that pertains to the front seal. The front pump has to be removed and taken apart. Then the oil return port from the seal to the pump is enlarged from 1/4" to 5/16's. There is also a dog bone looking area inside of the pump where the return port from the seal transfers fluid back to the pan. Using a dremel the center restriction is ground out so that the "dog bone" effect is just a straight passage. This has been very effective in keeping the front seal in place.