Keeping your transmission in tip-top shape is one of the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it operating in top performance. So, when you are experiencing a transmission leak, it is extremely important to quickly locate the problem area and repair it as soon as you can. Discover the transmission leak symptoms and what to do when you find one.
However, before you can repair a leaking transmission, you need to know the fluid leak is happening. In this article, we provide you with the information you need to help diagnose a leaking transmission and how to treat the problem.
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4 of the Top Signs of a Transmission Fluid Leak
A transmission leak isn’t always a huge deal as long you deal with its cause appropriately and in a reasonable amount of time. Listed below are four of the biggest signs your transmission might be leaking.
1. Puddle on The Ground Under Your Vehicle
The easiest way to determine whether or not your vehicle is leaking transmission fluids is the small puddle it will eventually start to form underneath your transmission.
Transmission fluid is usually a light-red or amber color, and if you see this color fluid puddled up in your driveway or a parking lot after an hour or so of grocery shopping, you will have to have the oil topped off and then taken to a machine to locate the issue.
2. Shifting problems and Gears Slipping
If you start noticing your gears are slipping or the vehicle isn’t shifting properly, this is a big indication that you have a transmission leak. Without enough fluid to provide the proper amount of lubrication and power, the gears will start to slip.
If the problem persists, the gears will eventually stop switching altogether, leaving you unable to operate the vehicle at all.
3. Low Transmission Level Warning Light
The best part about modern vehicle technology is that problems are diagnosed easily, thanks to warning lights sent to the dashboard.
A huge red flag that your transmission is leaking is the red lights that pop up, letting you know something is going on.
4. Burning Smell
Lastly, you may get tipped off if there is a leak in your transmission if you begin to smell burning fluid. This mainly occurs when the fluid drips from the hoses and hits the hot surfaces underneath the line.
The Main Causes for Transmission Leaks
Many variables can cause a transmission oil leak, but there are a few things you should examine.
Damage to Transmission Lines
One of the main reasons you notice low transmission fluid is due to holes, cracks, or damage to transmission lines.
Transmission lines transport the fluids to every working part of the transmission; even if just one piece is leaking, it will affect the entire transmission.
Bad Seals and Gaskets
If there isn’t a broken line attached to your transmission, you may be dealing with bad transmission seal and/or gasket. These are second on the list of most common reasons for transmission fluid leaks.
Over time, seals and gaskets will start to corrode and wear away, thus causing gaps between bolts and the transmission, allowing leaking fluid to easily pass through and the fluid level to drop.
Misaligned Transmission Parts
Over time, especially with vehicles that go off-roading or drive on poorly maintained roadways, parts of the transmission may start to move around and shift positions. Even with the slightest movements, fluids will find a way to seep through the cracks.
Cracks in the Bell Housing
While we often hope the reason behind a transmission leak is easily repairable, that may not always be the case, especially on older vehicles or vehicles suffering from other transmission issues, such as overheating.
If there is a crack in the bell housing, you will see leaking fluid. As the crack gets bigger, the leak will become more prominent.
Pan Gasket
Although we already discussed gaskets and seals, the pan gasket is a large perpetrator when it comes to transmission leaks and should be one of the first places you look when you notice the fluid pooling under the car.
The pan gasket will often start to degrade and error, creating cracks and holes that provide an exit for transmission fluids.
Cracks in the torque Converter
The internal turbine blades and bearings located inside a torque converter can wear out or become damaged over time. Because the torque converter requires the use of transmission fluid to convert horsepower into hydraulic pressure, it can easily spill out of any cracks in this area.
Problems that can occur if Transmission Fluid Gets Too Low
Transmission fluid is used to lubricate all of the working parts inside a transmission to create a smooth and friction-free performance. When the fluid leaks out of the vehicle, and there isn’t enough left to do its job, it can significantly damage your transmission, requiring costly repairs.
The main issues to be concerned with are overheating, slipping gears, and stuck gears. All of these problems can put you into problematic situations, and moving the vehicle will be next to impossible.
How to Fix Transmission Fluid Leaks
There are quite a few issues that will require a mechanic for correction. However, multiple issues can be easy to fix or temporarily solve until you can get to a professional.
Keep Transmission Fluid on Hand
The best way to prevent damage to your transmission when experiencing a leak is to keep a bottle of transmission fluid in your vehicle at all times and frequently check the levels with the dipstick. If the fluid is low, top it off.
Again, this is not a permanent solution but will prevent any more issues until you can solve the underlying problem.
Replace Gaskets and Seals
If your leaks result from old and ruined gaskets and seals, simply replace them as needed. You can purchase these items from any local hardware or auto parts shop at a very affordable price.
Replace Cracked or Broken Hoses
Replacement transmission hoses are another easy to obtain product from automotive shops and can be installed without a mechanic. However, this process will require you to lift the vehicle and drain the fluids.
Replace the Damaged Pan
Replacing the pan is another easy fix you can do yourself, as long as you have the right tools. You can purchase a pan brand new from an auto dealer, or you can save some money and shop around at local salvage yards for a used yet a still intact option.
Replace Drain Plugs or Pan Bolts
It isn’t uncommon at all for vibration and age to wear on the threads of drain plugs and pan bolts; this can cause the parts to slip or create spaces for the fluids to leak out. Simply replacing these products can solve your leaking issues in no time at all and at little cost to you.
Summing Things Up
Transmission leaks are nothing to ignore, but they are usually easy to fix. The longer you allow your leaks to go on, the less amount of fluid your transmission has for optimal performance, eventually causing major damage and a significant repair cost. If you suspect leaking transmission oil or any other transmission problems, take your vehicle in for auto maintenance right away.
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