A transmission fluid leak is no joke. Even if it's a small leak on the outside, it could be a sign of a bigger internal problem. Oftentimes, it's something relatively minor. The important thing is to catch it early and deal with repairs before major transmission damage occurs. One tiny fluid leak can lead to complete transmission failure if left ignored. If there is not enough fluid running through the system, parts will lose vital lubrication and bad things will happen inside the transmission.
Transmission fluid is usually red in color and is fairly easy to identify. With different types of transmissions out there, however, you want to be careful about just refilling the fluid yourself. You want to make sure and use the right transmission fluid for your vehicle. Also, simply refilling the fluid that's leaking out is just a temporary fix that won't really solve the real problems at hand. It's best to take your vehicle to a professional auto repair facility like Fox Run Auto in Bear, DE. They can inspect the vehicle and determine the source of the fluid leak before making repair recommendations that will fix the leak and repair any internal damage that may have already occurred.
The first thing to figure out is why the transmission fluid leaking in the first place. What are the common causes of these kinds of leaks? Here is a list of the most likely culprits:
1. Transmission Pan Gasket
In most cases, a deteriorating or misaligned transmission pan gasket is to blame for a transmission fluid leak. It provides the seal between the transmission pan and the bell housing. It's a simple rubber gasket that naturally wears out over time and regularly needs to be replaced as part of a standard transmission service.
2. Seals and Other Gaskets
There are various seals and gaskets throughout the transmission system. This might include the rear main engine seal and the front input seal. The rubber may deteriorate or something could come out of alignment and cause a transmission fluid leak.
3. Transmission Lines
Different hoses and lines will be found in any transmission that run between the different components and provide a consistent flow of fluid throughout the system. There could be a bad connection or a hole/crack in one of the transmission lines that is causing the leak.
4. Valves and Solenoids
The transmission system has valves and solenoids that keep the flow of the fluid controlled when the vehicle is running. A damaged part or faulty valve/solenoid can result in a transmission fluid leak.
5. Misalignment
Sometimes two components within the transmission system are simply misaligned. Things may shift as you drive or something wasn't installed or adjusted correctly with a previous repair/service.
6. Cracks and Other Damage
Remember that there are many moving parts in a transmission and throughout the vehicle. Things shift under pressure and extreme situations can lead to cracks in the transmission bell housing, transmission pan or somewhere else. This is obviously a significant problem and will require the cracked part(s) to be repaired or replaced.
The simple fact is that any time you notice a transmission fluid leak under your vehicle, you don't want to ignore it. Replacing a faulty seal is much cheaper than having to replace or rebuild the whole transmission.
For all your Mid-Atlantic transmission service and repair needs, call Fox Run Auto at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.