Our 03 just developed an oil leak at the rear main seal, and it looks like the trans will have to come out to replace it (approx $1,000 dealer job). I'm really tempted to just let the leak stay and just add more oil as needed until the trans goes (I know it's just a matter of time until the trans fails, we've got 160K miles on the original trans).

Anyone ever R&R the trans themselves? I've done this before on smaller cars, like civics, but nothing with such a tight engine compartment as the MDX. Anyone know of any links out there to a DIY how-to by chance?

Thanks,

 

I dont think its gonna be that hard but the trans is rather large to pull out on the ground. I think youd be better off pulling the whole motor and trans out as one. I would not let it keep leaking. As dirt will build up around seal and the seal will just get worse.

 

If you do replace the rear main seal make sure you replace the o-ring behind the plate that the rear main seal on and reseal the plate with honda's ultraflange II or hondabond. While you got the trans out you might as well replace the torque converter seal that is on the trans where the torque converter slide into the shaft. I see torque converter seal, rear main seal and o ring leak all the time. Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again or pay for it twice.