Why is My Transmission Fluid Leaking?
If you notice a transmission fluid leak under your vehicle, it shouldn’t be ignored. Even the smallest leak could be the sign of major internal transmission damage. Or, it could be a very simple fix. The important thing to remember is you may not know exactly what’s wrong until you have your vehicle checked out by a transmission expert.
How Do I Identify Transmission Fluid?
Any fluid leaking from under your car or truck should be cause for concern. Water dripping from your air conditioning system is no big deal. However, radiator coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, gasoline or transmission fluid are all worth taking very seriously. Most automatic transmission fluids are a bright red in color, but the colorations can vary based on the type of transmission and fluid being used.
One of the best ways to identify a transmission fluid leak is based on the location. Your transmission is located near the center of the vehicle, so most transmission fluid leaks will be seen under the middle of the car (as opposed to under the engine, radiator or wheels). You will want to get any noticeable fluid leak checked out by a mechanic. If you think it’s a transmission fluid leak, you may want to get your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks
There could be any number of reasons for a transmission fluid leak, ranging from simple repairs to severe internal damage. Here are some of the most common reasons why a transmission may be happening:
Loose/Worn Seal or Fluid Line—Thankfully, the most common cause of a transmission fluid leak is the transmission pan gasket, which is the primary seal between the pan and the main transmission housing. It can be loose or worn out. A worn seal is often a good indicator that you are overdue for a transmission maintenance service to replace the gasket and fluid. You may also have a damaged, loose or poorly connected transmission fluid line that is relatively easy to fix.
Cracked Housing or Pan—This is a more severe problem. It’s fairly rare, but can happen. A crack in the transmission housing will usually require a full transmission replacement. A crack in the pan itself can usually be resolved by replacing the pan with a new unit.
Internal Damage—Another reason why your transmission fluid is leaking is because there is some sort of damage inside the transmission. A failing torque converter is often the culprit, but there could be something wrong with the gearbox or other internal components that leads to a fluid leak. You may be able to isolate the repair, or a full transmission rebuild may be recommended.
Don’t Wait to Repair a Transmission Fluid Leak
No matter the reason your vehicle is leaking transmission fluid, you don’t want to wait too long to get it checked out by an automotive repair expert. In many cases, you can catch a small problem before it leads to a bigger issue. If there is major internal damage, you will want to take care of the repairs sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you risk even more automotive problems. A failing transmission can impact the health of the engine, cooling system and other automotive systems.
For all your transmission repair and maintenance needs in the Central Valley, call Escalon Transmission today at (209) 838-0113 or request a service appointment online.
