Leaking transaxle banjo bolt

[craig-ultima]

I decided to replace the transaxle oil. I cannot seem to get the lower banjo bolt to stop leaking. Its the one that goes up to the breather tank. I replaced the crush washers with new ones and that didn't help. I can get the leak to very slow, but I'd prefer no leak

Any thoughts? Do I replace the banjo bolt as well? Also, can someone tell me what the torque settings on the bolt should be?

[Pb3]

Banjo should be ok, as should the old washers really. Just check the banjo mating surfaces for nicks/scrathes, if any then replace. Also does the whole thing fit squarely or is the tapping slightly misaligned or cross threaded? A little sealing compound may help the situation. As for torque settings, not sure if I have ever seen any, just nip it up. I have never had a leak and I am surprised there is enough pressure there to force any oil out, still live and learn.

[Builder]

I am certain you checked this already. Crush washer is the same thickness and I.D./O.D. as previous? Threads reaching end of travel? If so, maybe take one or two threads off the end of the bolt...or, purchase shorter banjo.

[craig-ultima]

Thanks for the response.

Pb3 - the leak is very slow. There is no real pressure other than the weight of the fluid in the transaxle above the banjo bolt. I think I will lift the car and check the mating surface on the transaxle.

[craig-ultima]

Hi Scott. I am pretty sure that the washers are the same. They look the same. Maybe they are made out of different copper alloys, so have different "crush" qualities?

[LuckyP]

Am interested to know how long your fluid had been in there and what (visible) condition was it like when it came out.

Pete

[Davrianman]

Hi there,

Have you tried replacing the washers with 'Dowty seals'? I use these on all hydraulic connections and they never leak. They are also called bonded washers. It's a metal seal with a rubber insert in the centre. I have a few at work if you want some (I'm an aircraft hydraulics engineer!). Just let me know the size.

Cheers

Mart

[craig-ultima]

LuckyP said:

Am interested to know how long your fluid had been in there and what (visible) condition was it like when it came out.

Pete

Hi Pete. It was in there for 18 months and 5,000 miles.

It definitely looked different - a lot darker, more like color of engine oil. I use Royal Purple 75w90 and it is purple in a thin film. But what came out was much darker, even in a thin film. But no grit or bits of metal. If I can solve this leaking problem, I'll probably change the fluid every couple of years.

It still had that horrible mineral oil smell