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Toyota 22R and 22R-E engine factory workshop and repair manual

Short summary first: a gearbox (manual transmission) shaft seal keeps gear oil inside the transmission while the shafts rotate. Replacing it usually means removing the transmission (or at least dropping the tailshaft/driveshaft) to access and swap the old radial lip seal for a new one, then reinstalling and checking for leaks. Below is a beginner-friendly, detailed walk-through: why seals fail, how the system works, every part you’ll see, what can go wrong, required tools/parts, and a clear step-by-step procedure with practical tips.

Safety first
- Work on a level surface. Use quality jack stands under the frame — never rely on a hydraulic jack alone. Block wheels.
- Wear eye protection and gloves.
- Disconnect the battery negative.
- Drain fluids into a proper container and dispose of them properly.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby when working with solvents/cleaners.

What the seal does (theory, simple)
- A gearbox (manual trans) contains gears running in oil. Where rotating shafts leave the cast-iron/ aluminum case you have a radial shaft seal (lip seal) pressed into the case.
- The seal’s inner lip rides on the shaft and, with a small spring behind the lip, forms a tight barrier that keeps oil in while allowing the shaft to rotate. Think of it like the rubber gasket around a faucet stem: water needs to stay inside the faucet, but the stem still moves.
- Seals fail because rubber hardens/crumbles with age, oil contamination, heat cycling, corrosion or a scored shaft. Excessive internal pressure (blocked venting) can also push oil past the lip.

Which seal(s) you may replace on a Toyota 22R / 22R‑E manual gearbox
- Input (front) shaft seal — between bellhousing/transmission and the clutch/flywheel area.
- Output (rear) shaft seal — at the driveshaft flange or differential/transfer interface (depends on which end is leaking).
- Speedometer drive seal (less common).
This guide focuses on the common case: replacing the input shaft seal (most often replaced with transmission removed). The same principles apply to output seals — access differs.

Parts and components you’ll see and what they do
- Engine block / bellhousing: bellhousing mates the engine to the transmission and encloses the clutch.
- Flywheel (or flexplate): bolted to the crankshaft; clutch disc clamps against it.
- Clutch assembly:
- Clutch disc (friction disc): transfers engine torque to the transmission input shaft.
- Pressure plate: clamps the clutch disc to the flywheel.
- Throw-out bearing (release bearing): presses on the pressure plate fingers to disengage the clutch.
- Clutch fork: moves the throw-out bearing.
- Pilot bearing/bushing: supports the input shaft tip inside the crankshaft/flywheel.
- Transmission case (gearbox): houses gears, shafts, bearings.
- Input shaft: the rotating shaft that receives engine torque through the clutch and goes into the gearbox. The input shaft passes through the front (input) seal.
- Output shaft(s): send power out to driveshaft(s). Output seals keep oil inside at the rear.
- Radial lip seal: the replaceable rubber/metal seal pressed into the gearbox housing. It has a garter spring to keep lip tension. Orientation matters: the lip faces the fluid.
- Bearings and synchros: support shafts and allow gear engagement; visible when transmission is open or when input shaft is removed.
- Shift linkage/cables, driveshaft, crossmember, starter motor, slave cylinder (or clutch cable): all attach to or interfere with transmission removal.

Common reasons seals leak (what can go wrong)
- Worn/ripped/hardened sealing lip (age, heat, contamination).
- Shaft damage (nicks, deep grooves) that prevents proper sealing. If shaft is grooved, a new seal may still leak—shaft repair or sleeve may be needed.
- Seal installed backwards or not fully seated. The lip must face the oil.
- Using the wrong seal ID/OD or thickness (size matters).
- Not replacing pilot bearing if it’s failed — extra play can damage the new seal.
- Overtightened or stripped bellhousing bolts leading to misalignment.
- Unvented transmission causing pressure build-up and pushing oil past seal.
- Using petroleum-based sealants that degrade rubber (use recommended products only).
- Not replacing related gaskets or cleaning mating surfaces → leak paths.

Tools and materials (basic + specific)
- Garage manual for your truck (recommended for torque specs and model-specific notes).
- Floor jack + quality jack stands + wheel chocks.
- Transmission jack or second floor jack with wood cradle.
- Socket set (metric), extensions and ratchet. Torx/Allen as needed.
- Wrenches (metric), screwdrivers, pliers.
- Pry bar, rubber mallet.
- Seal puller (hook type) or thin-blade screwdriver (careful).
- Seal driver set or a socket whose face matches the seal OD for even seating. Wooden block and mallet as last resort.
- Drain pan, rags, brake cleaner.
- Torque wrench.
- New gearbox seal(s) (correct part number), replacement pilot bearing/bushing (recommended), clutch alignment tool (if replacing clutch or removing disc), new transmission fluid (correct grade — manual trans oil like 75W-90 GL‑4 unless your manual says otherwise).
- Thread locker (medium) if specified, RTV only if manual directs.
- Light oil (to lubricate the new seal lip lightly before assembly).

Preparatory steps / inspection
1. Confirm leak source: Clean suspected area, run vehicle, observe. If oil comes from the bellhousing area, likely input seal. If from driveshaft flange, likely output. Use white shop towel to trace the leak path.
2. Get the correct replacement seal(s) and any recommended bearings/parts. Buy one extra seal to avoid a second removal.
3. Read the truck’s service manual sections for transmission removal and torque specs.

Removal (overview — input seal replacement by removing transmission)
Note: This is a general procedure. Follow the service manual for bolt locations, sequence, and torque values.

1. Prep
- Park, block wheels, disconnect negative battery cable.
- Raise vehicle and support safely on jack stands; ensure plenty of workspace.
- Drain transmission fluid: remove fill and drain plugs and capture oil. (You can leave fluid in until you’re ready to remove if easier; draining first reduces spills.)

2. Disconnect components around the transmission
- Remove driveshaft(s): mark orientation to maintain balance, then unbolt flange/ U-joints and lower carefully.
- Disconnect shift linkage and speedometer cable or sensor. Note linkage fastener locations so you can reassemble exactly.
- Remove starter motor (to access bellhousing bolts often).
- Disconnect clutch hydraulic lines or cable. If hydraulic slave cylinder is connected to the trans, support/plug lines to avoid fluid loss into the vehicle.
- Remove any electrical connectors attached to transmission.

3. Support transmission and remove crossmember(s)
- Place transmission jack under gearbox. Support with wood to avoid crushing case.
- Remove crossmember(s) and support brackets. Make sure engine is supported (if the engine mount is attached to bellhousing, support engine with an engine support bar or jack under oil pan with wood block).

4. Remove bellhousing bolts and separate transmission from engine
- Remove bolts that attach bellhousing to engine block/crank housing. Keep track of bolt lengths — many vehicles use different lengths.
- Gently pry between engine and transmission to separate. If stuck, use a pry bar carefully at designated points. Do not force: check for missed bolts or alignment dowels.

5. Lower transmission
- Carefully slide transmission back off the input shaft. Be gentle — clutch alignment, pilot bearing contact, and input shaft splines must not be damaged.
- Lower and remove the transmission from under the vehicle.

Accessing and removing the old input seal
1. With the transmission removed and placed on a suitable stand, locate the input bore where the input shaft protrudes. The seal is pressed in here.
2. Remove any retaining plates or snap rings if present.
3. Using a seal puller or a small hooked screwdriver, carefully pry out the old seal. Be careful not to gouge or score the bore. If the thin metal case edge of the seal binds, pry at multiple points evenly. Clean the bore thoroughly.

Inspect the input shaft and bore
- Check the input shaft’s sealing surface for nicks, grooves or corrosion. Use a flashlight and a fingernail to feel for grooves. If it’s lightly corroded, polish with fine emery cloth (very light) or Scotch-Brite until smooth. Large grooves require machining, replacement shaft, or a shaft sleeve—do not expect a new seal to stop a deep groove.
- Check the pilot bearing and replace if rough or noisy. A failed pilot bearing can let the input shaft wobble and shred seals. Replace the pilot bearing/bushing while you have access.

Installing the new seal
1. Orientation: The sealing lip faces the inside (towards the fluid). The flat metal case faces outwards. Confirm by comparing with the old seal orientation.
2. Lightly lubricate the inner lip with gearbox oil or assembly lube (do NOT use engine oil or petroleum greases that can swell the rubber).
3. Use a seal driver or a socket whose face matches the outer diameter of the seal to press it squarely into the bore. Tap evenly around the circumference to seat the seal flush with the casting face. Uneven seating causes leaks and rapid failure.
4. If the bore has any burrs, clean them first; do not use excess force.

Reassembly
1. If you removed the clutch or pressure plate, reinstall using a clutch alignment tool to center the disc on the input shaft. If you only removed the transmission and left clutch alone, ensure the splines are clean and appplied with light grease if recommended.
2. Guide the transmission input shaft into the clutch disc and pilot bearing; use the transmission jack to raise and align. Do not force — if it won’t slide in easily, pull back and recheck alignment.
3. Reinstall bellhousing bolts loosely at first, then torque in the correct sequence to manufacturer specs. Replace any dowel pins if damaged.
4. Reconnect crossmember, driveshaft, shift linkage, starter, slave cylinder/cable and any sensors or wiring. Replace any gaskets or seals removed. Refill the transmission to the proper level with the correct fluid.
5. Reconnect battery.

Final checks and break-in
- Clean the area of tools and rags. Lower vehicle. Start engine, shift through gears (with parking brake on), check for unusual noises. Inspect seal area for leaks while running.
- After a short test drive, re-check for leaks and fluid level. Check again after 100 miles.

Troubleshooting and failure modes after install
- Still leaking: the seal may be installed backwards, not fully seated, or the shaft is damaged. Re-check orientation and seating. If the shaft has grooves, a new seal will not stop leakage.
- Sinking clutch or chatter: if you removed clutch hydraulic components, bleed the system properly.
- Transmission oil foaming or loss: check venting. A clogged vent can pressurize the case and force oil out past seals. Clean/replace vent.
- New seal failing quickly: likely shaft damage, misalignment, or wrong seal material/size. Confirm part number and re-inspect shaft/bore.

Practical tips and analogies
- Think of the seal like the rubber lip around a revolving faucet stem. If the stem is scratched, no new rubber will stop the drip unless you fix the stem.
- Use a seal driver or an appropriate socket — pounding a seal in crooked is like forcing a round peg into a square hole: it doesn’t seal and it fails quickly.
- Keep fasteners organized by length/position — mix-ups can cause misalignment and leaks. A simple cardboard tray with labeled holes works well.
- Replace the pilot bearing while you have it apart — cheap insurance. If it locks up later, it will ruin your new seal.

When to consider more than just a seal
- If input shaft play is excessive, bearings are noisy, or gears feel loose, consider a transmission rebuild or at least inspect bearings and synchros.
- If seal failure was accompanied by metal shavings in the oil, do a full internal inspection.

Final note on torque specs and model-specific details
- Exact bolt torque values, bolt patterns, and component differences (starter location, slave cylinder type, crossmember design) vary by year/model and transmission variant. Always consult a factory service manual or reliable repair guide (Chilton/Haynes or Toyota TSB) for exact torques and any model-specific steps.

That’s the complete beginner-to-intermediate roadmap: why seals fail, what they do, what you’ll remove/inspect, how to install the new seal properly, common pitfalls, and post-repair checks. Follow the manual for torque specs and any vehicle-specific steps, be methodical, and don’t rush the seal seating or shaft inspection — that’s where most failures start.
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