Firstfives.org

When I move from standing, in first, there is a shuddering or chattering sound. It's source seems to be wher the emergency brake handle pivots. Is my transmission near death? I should mention that it's rear seal, where the driveshaft connects, appears to have been leaking for some time. I hope topping up the lube could solve this? I suspect (or hope!) it is not the drive shaft or trans at all...maybe a loose e-brake cable?

Sounds like the center bearing on the driveshaft. The rubber that holds it in place fails after a while and lets the driveshaft kind of flop around.

My guess would be the oil leak on the tranny is coming from the selector shaft seal, and while it's always a pain, if you do have the driveshaft out, this would be the time to replace it. As always with a leak, degrease it first so you can tell where it's really coming from and you're not guessing.

I see now that there is a bolt missing that should be holding the shield in place. It looks like the source of the leak as well.