tracking a leak and found something loose
 

Hi guys and gals, On my 97 Z28 with auto trans I was tracking down a small leak and while under the car noticed the shaft that the shift cable is connected to seems to be able to move in and out about a 1/4" or so. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or is it supposed to be tighter than that? I'm wondering if that's a part that has a seal or O-rings I can replace?
Thanks!
Jeff

i remember mine moving in and out a little. up and down is what would wear on the seal.

Thanks craby. I've got a leak from somewhere that I can't trace yet. Either my pan is loose or I have a leak at the trans engine connection. I have to remove my bell housing cover and see what's happening under there.

are you sure it's trans fluid and not motor oil? If oil, from that location it's probably the rear main seal

I'd give White Shepherd rear main sealer a try first before splitting the tran and engine and replacing the seal

Oh it's definitely trans fluid but I'm not positive where it's coming from except I know it seems to be from behind or inside the bell housing cover. I'm sure I'll see more when I remove that.

Not sure what pulling the cover is going to show. If it is coming from that area there is only one seal. The main input that seals around the converter. Just be sure its not the front of the pan messing with you.

Oh could be the outer seal around the front pump but that would be very rare.

That's exactly what I want to determine. If it's the seal or if it's the pan.