driveline vibration

I have a 95 metro automatic. Sometimes whil driving around 50 mph, it will begin to shake very bad. Feels like tire terribly out of balance, but this is not it. When I let off the gas to coast, it is smooth again, as soon as I put my foot back on the accelerator, it starts to shake very bad. Now I also have a bad tranny leak coming from the passenger side of the tranny. It looks like probablly the seal in the tranny where the axle shaft comes out of? Is there an inner and outer seal? I noticed that the axle shaft can be pulled right out of the tranny!! and popped back in. If the inner seal needs to be changed, does the tranny need to come off? If so, Is this a very hard job? I am mechanically inclined..:) Also, any idea what could be causing this shake... Only when it is accelerating or under power. both cv joints replaced about 20k miles ago... please help?

The driveshaft seal on the tranny can be changed without taking the tranny out. Just remove the driveshaft and the seal can be pulled with a regular seal puller. There is only one seal. However, you will need a seal installer to install the new seal - I have a kent more seal installer for this tranny - picked it up on ebay for a few $$ - it is specifically for this tranny but a standard seal installer may work. I'm not sure if you can buy the seal as a single item - I bought a gasket packet for the tranny when I rebuilt my tranny and it has all the replacement seals. Cost about $40 for the pack. Once you get the driveshaft out it should not be a difficult job.

However, the driveshaft into the tranny end should snap out (you will need a prybar or something similar) - if it just easily pulls out something is not right.

Thanks for the info. I was able to pull both sides of the axle shafts out of the tranny without much problem when I investigated it. One side I only need a small scredriver and the other side I could pretty much do it with my bare hands.... Maybe that is part of my problem ... Not sure how tightly they are supposed to fit in there? If they are too loose, Maybe that is where my vibration came from in the first place?

Sounds odd...I actually need a fairly large prybar as it sticks in quite firmly - either that or maybe you are very strong :grinyes: There should also be a circular clip about halfway between the driveshaft splines at the tranny end - if that's missing that could explain the leak and vibration.

hmmm, well, i took it all the way out and did not see any clip on the axle shaft at all, does the clip stay on the axle shaft when it is pulled out? I saw the splines on the end of the shaft..(about 3/4 inch long spline section) but never saw any clip..... How big of a job is it to drop the tranny out? Might be easier to do that? then I can take it apart and see whats going on maybe

You should see a circular recess very close to the end of the driveshaft and the clip should be around that. Is it present on the other one. You can certainly drop the tranny out - it s bit tedious as you have to pull out a whole bunch of other things to get it out as I recall. If you are planning to take the tranny apart make sure you buy the rebuild manual and you will need at least an oil pump puller.

It may just be easier to poke inside the differential housing and see if you can find any remains of the clip which may have broken off. If you are unluckly it may have moved to another place inside the tranny and then it will have to be taken apart in case it moves somewhere and damages something.

good suggestions... I will check the other side to see if the clip is on there. I just don't understand how the clip holds anything in place if it comes out with the axle?, anyhow, I will keep you informed. Not sure if I will get to it tommorrow or not... I do appreciate your help....

good suggestions... I will check the other side to see if the clip is on there. I just don't understand how the clip holds anything in place if it comes out with the axle?, anyhow, I will keep you informed. Not sure if I will get to it tommorrow or not... I do appreciate your help....
The clip rides in the groove on the half-shaft and sticks out to ride in a groove within the transaxle. When you pry on the half-shaft, it compresses so the assembly can pop out.