Is it worthwhile to fix a rear main seal leak

Whether fixing a rear main seal leak is worth it depends on several factors, such as the extent of the leak, the age and condition of the vehicle, and the cost of the repair. A rear main seal leak can be a significant issue as it can allow engine oil to leak, which can result in reduced oil levels and potential engine damage. However, if the leak is minor and the vehicle is in good condition, it may not be necessary to fix it immediately. Ultimately, the decision of whether to fix a rear main seal leak should be based on a careful consideration of the factors mentioned above and a professional mechanic’s assessment of the issue.

Can I drive with a leaking rear main seal?

It’s not recommended to drive with a rear main seal leak as it can lead to reduced engine oil levels and potentially cause significant engine damage. Engine oil provides lubrication and cooling for the engine’s internal components. A significant loss of oil can result in friction and overheating, which can cause serious damage to the engine. If you’re driving a vehicle with a rear main seal leak, it’s important to monitor the oil level regularly and top it up as needed to prevent the engine from running low on oil. You must remember that this is only a temporary solution and that the leak should still be repaired as soon as possible.

How can the rear main seal be checked?

To check for a rear main seal leak, You must check the following points. 1- Check for oil on the ground 2- Clean the area around the rear of the engine 3- Check the oil level 4- Look for oil seepage

Can a rear main seal leak damage transmission?

Yes, a rear main seal leak can potentially damage the transmission. If engine oil leaks from the rear main seal, it can contaminate the clutch and transmission fluid, leading to slipping and other issues with the transmission. Over time, the oil can cause damage to the transmission’s internal components, leading to a need for costly repairs or even replacement of the transmission.

What causes seal failure the most frequently?

The most common cause of seal failure is age and wear. Over time, seals can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. This is especially true for the rear main seals, which are subject to high levels of stress and pressure as the crankshaft rotates.

Crown Victoria Transmission Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]

Scott Automotive

The transmission is one of the most critical components of your vehicle, so it needs to be working properly at all times. If the transmission on your Crown Victoria needs to be replaced, you may be wondering how much the job will cost.

Typically, the total cost of replacing your Crown Victoria’s transmission will range between $2,200-$4,100. A new transmission generally costs between $1,600-$2,900, while labor accounts for the rest of the price at $500-$1,200. Of course, these numbers may vary based on where you live, who you work with, and the specific transmission model that’s in your vehicle.

Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about replacing your Crown Victoria’s transmission. Keep reading to learn all about this important car repair!

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Crown Victoria Transmission?

Replacing the transmission on any vehicle is a labor-intensive, time-consuming process. For this reason, it is on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to repair costs. In most cases, a professional transmission replacement will range between $2,300-$4,100.

If you have a working knowledge of vehicle repairs, you may be able to replace the transmission yourself. In this case, you’ll only have to account for the cost of parts.

A new Crown Victoria transmission is generally priced between $1,600-$1,900, but some premium models can cost up to $2,900.

How Much Does a Professional Crown Victoria Transmission Replacement Cost?

If you do not have the experience necessary to replace a transmission on your own, working with a repair shop is your best bet. Prices will vary based on where you live and the shop you go to. However, a professional replacement will likely range between $2,300-$4,100.

Parts make up between $1,700-$2,900 of this total cost, while labor accounts for $500-$1,200. There may be some additional fees to consider, as well.

Replacing a transmission is a time-consuming process. Usually, it takes a professional mechanic anywhere from 4-10 total hours to complete the replacement.

However, if your transmission is especially damaged, or if you’re installing a high-performance transmission, these costs may increase.

Transmission Repair Estimate	Parts Estimate	Labor Estimate	Total Estimate
Low-End	$1,600	$500	$2,200
High-End	$2,900	$1,200	$4,100
Average	$1,900	$1000	$2,900

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Crown Victoria Transmission Yourself?

Replacing your own transmission can save you a lot of money. However, it’s essential that you only attempt to do this if you have the necessary skills. A transmission replacement is no easy task, and it requires a lot of time and precision to do correctly.

If you do feel confident in your ability to do the replacement, you’ll only have to account for parts and tools in your total cost. To do your transmission replacement successfully, you will need to have the following tools handy.

Tool	Average Price
Drivers	$25-$30
Sockets	$40-$60
Vise grips	$15-$20
Breaker bar	$10-$20
Box wrenches	$25-$50
Catch pans	$5-$10
Open-end wrenches	$25-$50
Hydraulic floor jack	$150-$200

If you need to purchase all of the above tools, it will add $300-$450 to your total cost. Even with this in mind, the total price will likely be less than a professional replacement.

The price of a new transmission generally ranges from $1,600-$1,900, but some high-performance models can cost up to $2,900.

Retailer	Average Transmission Cost
eBay	$500-$1,600
Amazon	$1,550-$1,800
Autozone	$1,700-$1,900

With all of this considered, your DIY transmission replacement will probably cost between $1,900-$2,350. However, this cost can rise to $3,000 or more in some cases.

How Long Do Crown Victoria Transmissions Last?

The transmission in any vehicle, including a Crown Victoria, has a limited lifespan.

How long your transmission will last depends largely on several factors, including

Factory flaws
How you drive
How often you drive
How well it has been maintained

Generally, however, Crown Victoria transmissions last between 130,000-180,000 miles. This lifespan is a bit on the lower side when you compare it to other vehicles, and certain Crown Victorias have more transmission issues than others.

Common Crown Victoria Transmission Problems

The 2005, 2006, and 2008-2011 Crown Victoria models are known to have a couple of transmission problems. If you own one of these model years, you may have to replace your transmission sooner than you would expect.

Common 2005-2006 Transmission Issues

The transmissions on 2005 and 2006 Crown Victorias tend to be problematic. They may have issues with either the #7 check ball or the forward clutch drum.

Thankfully, these are easy fixes. However, if they’re left unchecked for too long, it can eventually lead to transmission failure.

#7 Check Ball Replacement

One of the most prevalent problems is a lack of power after the 1-2 shift. This is caused by uncommanded torque converter clutch application, and can usually be fixed by replacing the #7 check ball.

This part only costs about $15, so it’s best to replace it before it causes further issues.

Forward Clutch Drum Replacement

Another common issue with the 2005-2006 models is excessive slipping in the forward gears. Replacing the forward clutch drum and updating your ECU will solve the problem. This part is a bit more expensive than the last, costing between $120-$250.

Common 2008-2011 Transmission Issues

If you have a 2008-2011 Crown Victoria, there are two potential issues you should be aware of. These problems call for either a transmission fluid core replacement or a planetary gear assembly upgrade.

Transmission Cooler Core Replacement

The biggest problem with the 2008-2011 Crown Victoria models is an issue with the transmission fluid core. This can cause transmission fluid leaks on the transmission cooler tube.

To fix this problem, you will need to replace the transmission cooler core. This is another inexpensive part, generally costing between $30-$70.

Planetary Gear Assembly Upgrade and Torque Converter Replacement

Keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms with your Crown Victoria

Slipping
Unusual vibrations
A grinding or whining noise
Loss of power in the reverse gear

These are all signs that the planetary gear assembly is failing. To repair it, you will need to purchase both a planetary upgrade kit and a new torque converter.

Planetary gear upgrade kits will usually cost between $100-$200. Torque converters are often priced between $100-$150, but some premium models go for a much higher price.

Can a Crown Victoria Transmission be Repaired?

If your transmission has not yet begun to fail, making some small repairs can help it perform better. If the problem becomes severe, however, replacement or rebuilding will be your only options.

If you do choose to have your transmission repaired, your mechanic will likely inspect it to see what kind of condition it is in. Most transmission repairs will require complete removal and at least partial disassembly.

Since this can take a while, your mechanic may recommend a rebuild if your transmission needs significant work.

Rebuilding the transmission will help you get more mileage out of it. Having a rebuild done typically costs $2,000-$3,000. Depending on your replacement estimate, it may be more economical to go this route.

Can You Drive with a Transmission Problem?

Your transmission is one of the most important parts of your car. This component is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels, allowing your vehicle to drive down the road.

Since the transmission is such a crucial component, it must function properly at all times. If it’s left alone to the point of complete failure, you may not even be able to drive at all.

Many people make the mistake of driving with a transmission problem. They often do not think it’s anything to worry about, and don’t have an issue dealing with an occasional slip. However, continuing to drive with transmission issues can cause additional damage quickly.

There are a lot of moving parts within your transmission. If one of these is not working as it should, it can damage other parts. If you suspect that there is anything at all wrong with your transmission, you’ll want to have it checked out as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

The transmission is one of the largest and most important components inside your Crown Victoria. If it has broken down to the point of no repair, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

The biggest factor that influences the cost is whether or not you do the replacement yourself. Not everyone has the knowledge necessary to complete this repair. If you feel comfortable doing it, the total cost will likely be between $1,900-$2,350.

If you do not have the skills and know-how to complete the replacement, working with a professional will be necessary. With labor and parts included, the total cost will be between $2,200-$4,100.

Scott

Scott Brown is an experienced and highly skilled former ASE Master Technician with a specialty in diesel engine work. With over 15 years in the automotive industry, scott has developed a deep understanding of the engine rebuild process. He is constantly keeping up with the latest advancements in diesel engine technology.