TH350 Kickdown Cable Seal Issues - Need Help!

Maintenance & Repairs
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Seeking Advice on TH350 Kickdown Cable Seal Problems

Hey, fellow gearheads!
I’ve been having some trouble with the kickdown cable in my TH350 transmission, and I’m hoping to get some advice from those who might have experienced the same issue.

The Problem

Recently, I’ve noticed a few drops of fluid under my car, and after some investigation, it seems to be coming from the kickdown cable area. It looks like the seal might be leaking, which I know can lead to some significant transmission problems over time if not fixed soon.

Questions I’m Hoping to Address:

  • Has anyone replaced the kickdown cable seal themselves? If so, what tips do you have?
  • Are there specific brands or designs of kickdown cable seals that you’d recommend? I want to make sure I get something durable.
  • Could there be other causes for the leak besides just the seal itself? I want to make sure I’m not missing anything.
  • How do you know if the problem is purely with the seal or if there are larger issues at play?

Things I’ve Considered

I’ve done some research online, and it seems like leaking seals can happen as these transmissions age, especially if they haven’t been maintained properly. From what I’ve gathered, some people prefer aftermarket seals due to reliability, but I’m also a bit wary of potential compatibility issues.

I’m looking forward to hearing any advice you all can provide, including personal experiences and any pointers for fixing this issue properly. Thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers,
Thomas

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I’ve had my fair share of issues with the TH350 kickdown cable seal over the years. The biggest challenge is ensuring a proper fit. Make sure to measure twice and consider using a sealant for extra security.

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That’s great advice, emullen! I’ve also found that ensuring the cable isn’t twisted during installation makes a big difference in function.

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Has anyone tried replacing the kickdown cable seal with a different material? I’ve heard some aftermarket seals might fit better than OEM ones.

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That’s an interesting point, aballard. I’ve used both OEM and aftermarket seals. The OEM fit snugly, but one aftermarket brand has worked well for me without leaks so far.

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I had a leak after my installation, and it turned out the cable wasn’t fully seated. Always double-check that before sealing it up!

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Exactly! A little extra time checking can save a lot of trouble later. Has anyone faced issues with the cable adjusting itself over time?

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Yes, that’s definitely a common issue. I usually tighten everything before the final assembly, but it can still be fidgety as it settles in.

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I’ve had great success using a heat gun on the seal before installation. It makes it more pliable and helps form to the housing better.

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That’s a neat tip! I could see how that would work. How do you avoid any warping from the heat?

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I keep the heat moving constantly and don’t overdo it. Just enough to soften, not melt!

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Don’t forget about the alignment tool! It can really assist in making the cable placement easier during the install.

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I’ve had inconsistent results without one. What tool do you recommend?

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Any standard alignment tool should work, but some homemade solutions can fit well too. Just a little creativity goes a long way!

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Just make sure you don’t get too creative and end up with a contraption that looks like it belongs in a circus!

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Haha, that’s true! I appreciate everyone’s input. It really helps clarify these installation processes.

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I’m having issues with my TH350 kickdown cable seal leaking. It’s causing some rough shifts too. Anyone have tips on diagnosing this?

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You might need to check if the cable is seated properly. A loose cable can definitely cause shifts to feel rough. Have you checked for any visible damage?

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I’ve faced similar issues with my TH350. Leaks often come from worn seals or improper installation. Maybe try reseating the cable first?

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Good point! Reseating the cable is worth a try. If that doesn’t work, could it be a sign that the seal itself needs replacement?