HELP! Need advice on Civic issue

[rodhx]

I bought an 03 Si (the blue one from the first NDCCC of the year) which has had a small tranny oil leak the entire time. For those not familiar with the car, the 02-05 Civic Si hatch was the only civic that used this particular drivetrain. It shares it with the base Acura RSX and many parts have to be found by ordering for the Acura as lots of the parts shops lump the Si in with the other Civics.

Put it in the shop last week and the mech said it was the seal. After he replaced the seal the leak got much worse. On looking at it again, he thinks it has the wrong driver side axle as there is too much play in it. Got a replacement from Troy's Honda Parts, careful to make sure they understood this is the Si and not a regular 03 Civic. The mech just called to say this is the same as what is in the car. He also is convinced the driver side axle is not the stock unit.

Now I'm torn...he says there is a lot of play in the axle like it is the wrong size. Would you suspect the axle, the seal, or something else that might be the problem?

Thanks for any help!!

[rodhx]

Update...he's now convinced the axle & seal are fine but is at a loss where the leak is. I guess we are in wait-&-see mode now.

[TouringBubble]

I'm not sure you're at the right mechanic. The seal he replaced should have shown signs of the leak, and if not he should have checked elsewhere. You should also be able to cross reference part numbers to verify the axle fitment.

I'm not sure if there is such a product for oil/transmission fluid, but what about the ultraviolet dye and a black light? We used that often for AC leak tests. If that's not an option, I'd say to clean it really well and drive for a few minutes and re-inspect.

It just seems like he's guessing at problems and not actually looking for and finding the source of the leak.

[rodhx]

Yeah, I'm thinking the seal was a "1st guess". We are now at the "clean it really well and watch for a leak" stage.

BTW, this car is unique enough that tracking down the parts & part numbers is quite challenging. Many sources either do not know it exists or assumes it shares parts with the other 02-05 Civics and you can end up with the wrong parts. Calling Honda resulted in a $1100 quote for the axle. Once you know the Acura parts are correct here also, axles are suddenly common for $60-100.

[TouringBubble]

What is the engine code? That might be the key. K20/K22 or something?

[rodhx]

I think it is k20a3 in the Si/RSX where the RSX Type S engine is k20a2, but I could have those backward.

[zukitek]

Rod,I am not too busy at work lately so if you would like ,you can bring it out to me and Id be glad to check it and diagnose it for you .

RR

[rodhx]

Thanks Ricky. During the clean it up & watch for leak phase he discovered the original axle would not stay seated after driving it. The one I got from Troy's seems to be staying put. I will keep an eye on it. If it starts leaking again I may come see you.

[zukitek]

Thanks Ricky. During the clean it up & watch for leak phase he discovered the original axle would not stay seated after driving it. The one I got from Troy's seems to be staying put. I will keep an eye on it. If it starts leaking again I may come see you.

yeah that sounds right .The little circlip is supposed to be replaced each time the axle is removed .That is rarely done but if its been out as many times as I think it has it probably was the circlip just not holding good.I usually remove it and spring it a bit so it sticks out of the groove a little more but you have to be careful doing that .Good luck

RR

[dr_phatcity]

I hate to say it, but you should have gone to ricky first.

The man knows his cars.... the man's a professional.

[rodhx]

I'm sure that's the case. The first guy has one advantage...it is my company's fleet garage and they do the work while I'm at work.

BTW, up to now all indications are the replacement axle solved it. Thanks for all the input!

[zukitek]

I'm sure that's the case. The first guy has one advantage...it is my company's fleet garage and they do the work while I'm at work.

BTW, up to now all indications are the replacement axle solved it. Thanks for all the input!

Glad you got it square.Your guy probably fixed the original issue when he replaced the seal but the axle circlip decided that it was time to call it quits.At any rate ...I have been there and done that.Machines are finicky.Stupid stuff happens .If I can help you in the future don't hesitate to ask.


RR

[rodhx]

Thanks Ricky. I'll keep that in mind. Good luck in the new job!

Rod