Drive shaft seal leak/ seal replacement

timb wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2019 7:04 pm It is quite frustrating that there is no way of checking fluid level without draining it to see how much comes out. ( modern automatic technology eh). I am reluctant to put any more fluid in for fear of it overfilling and prompting leakage again.

Before I put my foot in my mouth, do you know how to check the fluid level? That you don't need to drain it completely?

I agree with your theory of letting sleeping dogs lie but it is frustrating not knowing how much oil is in the gearbox.

Did you buy the car second hand?

What is the colour of the oil coming out?

timb wrote: ↑Tue Jul 02, 2019 6:01 am Hi thanks for replying, where do you get this info? is it available to everyone?

https://public.servicebox.peugeot.com/pages/index.jsp

Just select your language in the bottom right hand corner, register and away you go. For free you get access to the spare parts manual. If you subscribe you get more, like SEDRE (see below).

The service manual is called SEDRE (acronym? french? I don't know). It can be found as a stand alone program . It used to be Citroen's LaserTec but that's now time expired.

Hi, well the only info I have been able to find on checking fluid level in an auto is it should have an inner and outer drain plug that allows the level to be checked or set. However mine just has a straight single drain plug. When I have drained it I have had to refil with the amounts given in data for draining without removing the torque converter. I've encountered the two piece system on Peugeot 106 autos I've owned. I cannot see any other level plug on the box or data to tell me if there is one. If you know otherwise please share. Thanks.
The fluid I've drained has been still clean as I have had to top/refil it up when it was leaking bad and when I first changed the seal.
I've owned the car from new and it has been a good reliable car, little problems only, a good drive, fast, top of the range fully loaded. The original tyres and brake pads did 50K and it's still on the original exhaust. So I'm prepared to suffer the leak until it becomes a proper problem, the underside is well rust proofed now.

timb wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 11:58 am Hi, well the only info I have been able to find on checking fluid level in an auto is it should have an inner and outer drain plug that allows the level to be checked or set. However mine just has a straight single drain plug.

I assume its an AL4 transmission? If so, it should have an inner and outer drain plug and tube. Seeing as you have owned the car since new, I have no explanation for the discrepancy.

I wanted to know if you were using Esso/Mobil LT 71141 based oil? It's colour is yellow. Apparently the transmission is very finicky.

It definitely does not have the inner and outer plugs.
I think it is an AL4 but never looked for any ID plate. It did have a recall when quite new for some repair to the converter but I'm not sure what they did because the Dealer couldn't tell me what they did. They tried to tell me that they changed the converter without taking the box out, so the box may have been changed but I don't think so. I thought the AL4 was the only type fitted.
When it started to leak bad and after the first unsuccessful seal change I put in standard ATF because I have a load in stock ( I have a few auto cars). I was planning to get some recommended fluid when I was sure the leak was sorted, so at present it is running happily on Comma ATF. I've done a few long runs and nearly 6 months on it so far, not fallen apart yet. Also my time in the trade has made me a bit sceptical about manufacturers recommended lubricants suspecting a lot are just expensive after sales profit raising tactics.

timb wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 7:56 am They tried to tell me that they changed the converter without taking the box out, so the box may have been changed but I don't think so.

I don't think so either. I don't know of any recalls of the AL4 that would require replacement of the entire transmission, especially if you weren't having any trouble in the first place!? Who would bother to "repair" a converter if you know how they are constructed and the cost of a new one? It would cost more to have one repaired than replaced. So that seem a strange way to word it, if the service manager knew what he was talking about but yes, questioning or arguing with these guys is a waste of time.

timb wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 7:56 am I thought the AL4 was the only type fitted.

From my research this seems so, at least for that generation of C3...but...crazy sh!t happens, like, no fluid level tube!

timb wrote: ↑Mon Dec 30, 2019 7:56 am When it started to leak bad and after the first unsuccessful seal change I put in standard ATF because I have a load in stock ( I have a few auto cars). I was planning to get some recommended fluid when I was sure the leak was sorted, so at present it is running happily on Comma ATF. I've done a few long runs and nearly 6 months on it so far, not fallen apart yet. Also my time in the trade has made me a bit sceptical about recommended lubricants suspecting a lot are just expensive after sales profit raising tactics.

The LT 71141 does feel and smell different to "red" ATF. What does that mean in the long term? I have no idea. Like you I have run my (other) cars for years and years on the "wrong stuff" and they are "no worse for wear".
The thing I find amusing is that the transmissions are "sealed for life" (quoted from Citroen's hand book) and yet there is a wear counter to tell you when to change the fluid!? AND there is an elaborate calculation to do to alter the wear counter if, for some reason, you need to top up the fluid. As if that will change the characteristics of the old fluid already in the transmission? If a transmission is filled with 50% old and 50% new fluid, is that twice the wear rate of new fluid or half the wear rate of old fluid? @#$%ing engineers! LOL!

FYI, the part numbers for the drain tube and plug are 221335 and 220844 (replaced by 220855).

Hi again, I've just looked underneath the car again and the leak looks like it has as good as stopped, but don't want to tempt fate by getting too excited.
Thanks for all your replies and info, very helpful and certainly improved my knowledge of the C3. I think we are of the same mind set on mechanical and technical issues. I do like to dig into a problem to try and understand it fully.
If my box blows up I will let the Forum know.
Thanks again.