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.

Lincoln Town Car Transmission Replacement Cost [Labor & Parts]

Last Updated: April 8, 2023

Scott Automotive

Lincoln Town Car Transmission Replacement Cost

If your Lincoln Town Car begins to show transmission issues, you’re probably facing a transmission replacement. The transmission allows your car to get power from the engine and get it to the wheels.

Replacing the entire transmission system is not cheap, but depending on the year of the car, it can be less or more costly.

When one part of your transmission begins to fail, it is likely a sign that other parts are about to break down. The transmission system is all tied together, so if one part breaks down, it can also cause other components to fail.

If you’re experiencing any issues with your transmission, it is best to have it checked out sooner than later.

The cost of replacing a Lincoln Town Car transmission will average you $2,900. This cost will vary depending on the year, transmission type, and mechanic you go to. You can expect to pay on the low end $1,000 for a replacement up to $3,600. Your average cost for the transmission itself will be $1,800. The transmission cost will depend on which transmission model you need, if you go with a new, refurbished, or used transmission, and where you buy your replacement transmission.

On the low end, you can get a replacement transmission for as little as $500, and this cost can go all the way up to $2,800.

We will go over the three main transmission models for the Lincoln Town Car and the cost to have your replacement transmission installed.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Lincoln Town Car Transmission?

There are three different transmission models for the Lincoln Town Car. These four models are 4R75E, 4R70W, and the AX4N.

We will examine the cost for each of these transmissions and the model years they covered.

Lincoln Town Car 4R75E/W Transmission (2006 to 2011)

The 4R75E/W transmission was in the Lincoln Town Car from 2006 until the Lincoln Town Car was discontinued in 2011. This has been a reliable transmission for the Town Car considering this was one of the main transmission types used in these late-model years.

The average cost for this new version of the Lincoln Town Car’s transmission replacement will be $1,800. Here are the different prices of this transmission model from various places:

Ptsreman – $1,700 – Remanufactured

eBay – $600 to $2,100 – Used and Remanufactured

Jegs – $2,082 – (Remanufactured)

Reman Transmission – $1,300 to $2,000 – Used and Remanufactured

Autozone – $1,800 to $3,200 – Remanufactured

Salavage Yard – $450 to $970 – Used

Lincoln Town Car 4R70W Transmission (1993 to 2005)

The 4R70W transmission was used from 1993 to 2005. This is one of the most common transmissions for the Town Car, and it has been a reliable transmission that many people have had success with.

Replacing your 4R70W transmission will average you $1,200. Below are the different costs for this transmission depending on where you buy it.

Transdepot – $1,800 – Remanufactured

eBay – $580 to $1,700 – Used and Remanufactured

Ptsreman – $1,600 – Remanufactured

Jegs – $1,365 – Remanufactured

Powertrainproducts – $1,800 – Remanufactured

Lincoln Town Car AX4N Transmission (1994 to 2001)

The AX4N was a transmission designed for the front-wheel-drive version of the Lincoln Town Car.

The AX4N is known as an electronically controlled four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The cost to replace the AX4N will cost you an average of $1,600 for the transmission alone.

Below are different prices for buying this transmission

Monster Transmission – $2,720 – Remanufactured
Spprecision – $1,600 – Remanufactured
eBay – $570 to $1,800 – Used
Car Planet – $1,100 to $1,900 – Used
Salvage Yard – $299 to $760 – Used

Cost To Have Lincoln Town Car Transmission Installed

If you decide to have a mechanic replace your transmission, this will cost you an average of $875 for installation.

This cost will vary depending on where you go and who does your replacement transmission. These costs are the average from a few different places:

Lincoln/Ford Dealership – $960 to $1,400 – Installation/labor only

Pep Boys – $875 to $1,300 – Installation/labor only

Mr Transmission – $735 to $1,000 – Installation/labor only

Remember to add your transmission cost into this cost since it’s not included. It is best to get multiple quotes before you decide where to get your replacement transmission.

Cost To Replace Lincoln Town Car Transmission On My Own

If you decide to do the replacement yourself, it will cost you an average of $1,600.

This includes the different costs listed below

Transmission – $1,200 to $2,000 – Used/Remanufactured
Shop Supplies/labor- $300 to $400 – Can vary depending on where you buy supplies
Differential Fluids – $50 to $100
Transmission Fluid – $20 to $50

These are some of the basic costs of replacing your transmission on your own. You will also need a way to lift your car off the ground to access your transmission. You can do this with a jack and jack stand or a lift.

Jack and jack stands will cost you anywhere from $80 to $450, depending on the weight limit, height limit, and type.

It is essential to be safe while trying to do this replacement yourself. Having a lift can be a much more secure way of doing this. A basic car lift will cost you anywhere from $1,600 to $4,200.

This may be a good investment if you plan on doing a lot of car repairs, but if you are replacing your transmission once, you may want to save some money and get a professional to do it.

Should I Buy A Remanufactured or Used Transmission?

One of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether you want a new or used transmission. Remanufactured transmissions are tested for quality before they are sold; therefore, they are typically more reliable.

Remanufactured transmissions will typically come with a warranty, whereas a used transmission will not. Used transmissions can be much less expensive.

When buying a used transmission, it is also important to note that you are going in blind and may not know if you are purchasing a sound one or not.

If you decide to buy a used transmission, try to get one with low miles and ask if you can have it tested for quality before purchasing.

How To Maintain Lincoln Town Car Transmission

One of the most significant things to remember is that transmissions are an expensive part of your car. It is essential to take care of it and maintain it to prolong its life. This will decrease your chances of replacing your transmission, saving you money in the long run.

Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your transmission:

Change differential fluid regularly

Differential fluid lubricates the different gears in your car. This is an integral part of proper transmission maintenance and can be done at home with a bit of research. It is recommended to change it every 45,000 miles or so.

If you have a mechanic do it, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $400, depending on the type of fluid you have.Change transmission fluid regularly

Transmission fluid lubricates all of the moving parts inside your transmission. Your owner’s manual will tell you how often you should do this; most are around every 30,000 miles or so. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $200, depending on the type of fluid you have.

Regular oil changes

Oil helps lubricate all of your car’s moving parts. If you do this regularly it can help extend the life of your transmission by keeping it lubricated, therefore less likely to give out early. Most cars require an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Come To A Complete Stop Before Changing Gears

One of the most important things to do is come to a complete stop before changing gears. If you switch from drive to reverse without coming to a full stop, you put excess strain on your transmission. This can cause it to fail before its time if done often enough.

It’s also important to note that the older your car gets, the more likely it will fail. The chances of something like this increase drastically the older your car becomes and the miles it has on it.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, replacing a transmission is not cheap. Depending on what kind of work it needs and which part is malfunctioning, you could end up spending $1,000 to $3,600.

If you are proactive and maintain your transmission regularly, it will save money in the long run since you will be less likely to have to replace it, saving you a lot of money.

If you decide to take care of your transmission and do the work yourself, this can save you even more! You can buy a remanufactured or used transmission for much cheaper than what a mechanic would charge and not have to pay labor costs.

This will still cost $600 to $2,400, but it will be significantly less than having a mechanic do the work. This is mainly dependent on if you already have the tools needed.

The most important thing is that you take care of your transmission and not put off maintenance or repairs. If you can do this, you should have fewer problems with your transmission over time.

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.