94 Explorer transmission leak

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Aug 26, 2001 | 10:37 AM

J.C.

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 1999

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94 Explorer transmission leak

The front transmission seal in my parents Ford Explorer seems to be leaking. Anyone know if that's a common problem with these transmissons or if it's just bad luck? Once you drop the transmisson is it a hard thing to change?

Tanks,

J.C.

Sep 14, 2002 | 09:39 PM

brenm

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: caldwell usa

94 Explorer transmission leak

I've had alot of trouble with my transmision. I'm on the 3rd one!! I had the same leaking problem and was told ford changed the tranny on this year and made a bad one. The shop had to drill holes inside the bellhousing so the seal won't blow, also my torq converter went bad twice and the bushings had to be replaced. I've only had it for 2 years and its acting up again, now it shifts late. Alot of the shops here won't work on them because they know it will be back before their guarantee is up. I love my explorer and hate to get rid of it.

Sep 14, 2002 | 10:44 PM

samhihn

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: southeast,usa

94 Explorer transmission leak

Is this a "big" leak or just some dripping?

Jan 2, 2003 | 04:13 PM

ThePheonixx2

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Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 265

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From: Fayetteville, NC

94 Explorer transmission leak

thats the most common leak on explorers....mine actually blows out tranny fluid when i tow but i never loose any fluid when under normal operation. try dumping one of those "stop leak" bottles in the tranny
i dumped it down the dipstik tube as i dont feel like screwing with the tranny more than i have to. if its a mild leak one of theese stop leak bottles may fix this but if its a small leak dont sweat it too much

Jan 2, 2003 | 04:58 PM

Opera House Works

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Cincinnati

94 Explorer transmission leak

wearing out seals and bushings. If you are really creative you can get the seal out without having to align the pump. New seal is then staked in. You can get a manual $10 and rebuild seal/gasket kit $30 at bulkpart.com. I might try some Lucas first. It's iffy, though some of these have gone a long time. A regular leak won't get better.

Jan 2, 2003 | 05:10 PM

Jonboater

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Dallas

94 Explorer transmission leak

Jun 18, 2006 | 01:12 AM

dconnaher

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Joined: Jun 2006

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I know this is four years late (new user), but I had the same problem with my 94 Explorer. What happens is the trans cooler(both radiator and auxilliary-if so equipped) gets clogged with sludge(internal---good reason to change fluid every 12000 miles).
When this happens, pressure builds up behind the pump(front) seal and leaks.
The first thing to do is bypass the radiator cooler (also remove the aux. cooler- located in front of radiator, if equipped) and buy the heaviest rated trans cooler (tube and fin type, stay away from the stacked plate design) and install that where the old aux. cooler was (or would be) and run the trans lines directly to the new cooler.
Next, steam the undercarriage off and see if it still leaks. If you're lucky, the leak will be cured; otherwise, you will need to replace the seal as well.
This was a very common problem with these transmissions. It took mine 249000 miles to show up (regular fluid changes + torque converter flushes every 12000miles held this problem off in mine that long)