5spd speedo leaking at tranny.. o-ring? diagram?

[sixleggedinsect]

my transmission is leaking. it appears to be coming from the area where the speedometer bolts into the top of the transmission. im not sure if the fluid is coming from the bottom of the thing, where there is an o-ring seal, or the top, where the speedo cable plugs in.

i kind of feel like there should be a seal for the speedo cable , but dont see one. im not the only one who has played with this piece, so i was wondering if a seal just didnt get put back. i cant find a diagram or servicing instructions for this piece anywhere (heck, i dont even know what it is called.. help me out?). the notches in the Al sides of the piece are broken. although it still seems to bolt in fine, maybe it leaks becasue of this (probably have to see the piece to understand that)

1. anyone had a similar problem?
2. anyone know a good place to buy a used part like this? the junkyards around here dont have any stickshift escorts, as far as i can tell.

anthony

[mlw35405]

I think you are talking about the speed sensor. I'm not sure but i think the ones for the MT and AT are the same. There is a seal, but the sensor is about 1 and a half inches long with a little gear on the bottom. First, remove the clip that holds the speedo cable into it and pull the cable straight out. Then unplug the connector on the side of it. Look at the sensor. There's a bolt (10 mm head) beside it. Take it out, and the little fork that holds the sensor in will come off. Then, to take the sensor out, pull STRAIGHT UP on it. It make take some force if it's stuck. When you get it out, you'll see the O-ring on it. Take it to a parts store and get them to match it up for you. Put a little trans. fluid on it when you put it back. And don't mangle your arms up too bad! Oh, and if you think the sensor is leaking around the CABLE then it is bad (it's supposed to be sealed on that end). Replace it.

[sixleggedinsect]

Originally Posted by mlw35405

I think you are talking about the speed sensor. I'm not sure but i think the ones for the MT and AT are the same. .

ahh- that's it. speed sensor. thanks.

yes, i think it's leaking at the top, not the bottom. so you dont think its just missing an o-ring or something? ill keep looking for a 'new' used one.

thanks,
anthony

[mlw35405]

no, the only o ring that is replacable is the one on the bottom. If it is leaking from the top where the cable runs, you'll have to replace it. Autozone or any parts store should have it, it shouldn't cost too much. The proper name for it is "Vehicle Speed Sensor" or "VSS". Good luck!