I have a transmission fluid leak at the axle seal ( where the axle attaches to the transmission ) on the passenger side. Is there a way to check that its nothing more then the axle seal itself and not something more serious like the carrier bearings? Would you feel slop? The car drives/shifts fine.

2007 2.4L Auto 102K miles

 

I went back under to see if I could feel any slop in the axle I could not. Hopefully I would feel something if the transmission were bad internally.

Any recommendations for seal brands or should I just stick with a OEM one? Closest dealer is unfortunately about 45 minutes away.

 

For oil seals, I recommend OEM. Usually better fitment and less chance of it leaking shortly after the installation which can happen with some aftermarket seals.

 

From my experience searching for used 5th Gen transmissions, you can feel the slop yanking the axle up and down and the seals won't leak unless there's quite a bit of slop. The seal will seal even with ~ 1/16th inch movement.

X2 on OEM seals. Mail order is an option.