Parking Transmission Fluid Leak
You may have noticed a dark stain under your vehicle when it was parked. It can be quite alarming but easy to repair. That’s why it’s important to know what caused the transmission fluid leak when parked and how to repair it.
These top issues are covered so that you can resolve the problem. You will also learn how to avoid transmission fluid leaks.
Why Transmission Fluid Leaks When Car Parked
Transmission fluid can leak from the pan of a damaged drain plug or pan that isn't working properly. It’s also possible that a gasket or seal is damaged. A broken torque converter or line can cause transmission leaks. It is essential to correctly diagnose the problem.
Below is a list that explains why transmission fluid is leaking when it is parked.
1. A damaged pan
It’s very possible that the problem comes back to a damaged transmission pan. Fluid can leak through cracks or loose bolts over time.
Regular inspection of the pan's gasket location and condition is the best way prevent it from happening. It's a good idea to check the pan and its gasket position every so often. Look for any rust and ensure the rust didn’t go through the pan and created a hole.
2. Problematic Drain Plug
If you don’t tighten the drain plug completely after a transmission fluid change, it could leak. It can also leak if it is not tightened to the factory specification. It is also important to make sure that your drain plug o'ring is in good condition.
You should also be cautious about where your transmission fluid is changed. Although it might be tempting to save some money and go to an entry-level mechanic, they will likely drain the fluid more quickly than an experienced one.
3. A damaged gasket
Most car models have a gasket between your transmission and the transmission pan. This will cause the transmission fluid to leak when you park the vehicle.
After prolonged heat exposure, gaskets in the system may fail. It’s also possible that the gasket hasn’t been aligned correctly when it was installed. Either way, it’s common to see a leak coming from the gasket area.
This issue can be fixed immediately to prevent future issues. Failure to fix the problem immediately can result in costly repairs.
RELATED: 6 Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks (& Repair Cost)
4. Don't Worn Out Seals
There are many seals in the automatic transmission that keep fluid from leaking. The seals may crack or become less durable over time, particularly if they are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time.
Seals are located at the shaft input and output. You will also find seals around the input and output shafts of your speedometer, tail housing, or shifter housing.
5. Broken Line
Many lines carry fluid from one location to another. The majority of lines can withstand years of heavy use regardless of whether they were made from aluminum or steel.
A line can break or crack at any moment. A fluid leak could be obvious if the line breaks.
6. Futy Torque Converter
Fluid is pushed through the system by the torque converter. It’s the component necessary for transferring power from the engine to the wheels.
Leakage may occur if the torque converter is damaged or cracks. Defective needle bearings can cause leakage, and these will also need to be replaced.
RELATED: 6 Symptoms of a Bad Torque Converter (& Replacement Cost)
Transmission Fluid Leakage: Signs and Symptoms
1. Auto Leakage
A puddle below your car is the most visible sign of a leak. A dark-colored puddle is usually a sign that the transmission fluid has leaked. However, there are other fluid types, so don’t rule it out if it’s not red.
In the same regard, you can’t assume all red fluid is from the transmission. Another type of fluid that can be red is power steering fluid.
2. Lagging Acceleration
Transmission fluid helps the engine to work together with the wheels. Low transmission fluid can cause acceleration lag.
This delay comes when the fluid can’t reach its proper location fast enough. Acceleration will be more difficult if the fluid level drops.
3. Gears to grind
You can have your transmission grind for many reasons. However, you don’t want to overlook the possibility that you just need to add some fluid.
If there’s not enough lubrication of the gears, they will grind as they touch one another. Don’t allow the gears to grind or major transmission damage can occur.
4. Additional Heat is Expelled
It’s not uncommon for the transmission system to eliminate some heat that’s noticeable. When you see excessive heat coming off the transmission, this is a problem. Stop the engine from heating up and check if fluid needs to be added.
The transmission may start to heat up and you might smell something burning. The problem may be caused by an engine that is too hot or a leaking fluid.
5. Vibration/Noise
Low fluid levels can cause unusual vibrations, especially in shifting gears. What might have been a smooth operation at one time now creates a driving situation that’s unenjoyable.
It is possible to hear strange or clunking sound. With either instance, it’s important to have the transmission looked at right away.
Related: What Does It Cost to Change Transmission Fluids?
Prevent Transmission Fluid Leaks
1. Check/Change Fluids
By checking the fluid, you aren’t going to prevent a leak. It is however, an essential task in maintaining a safe transmission system. Low fluid levels can cause major problems. However, you can avoid these serious issues by making sure that the fluid is always topped up.
Also, make sure to inspect the fluid for contaminants. It can become contaminated and it will not provide adequate lubrication. This could lead to failure or a leak. That’s why you should follow the transmission fluid change recommendations set out by the manufacturer. These two simple steps will ensure your transmission runs smoothly for up to 200,000 miles.
2. You can change your driving habits
This can make a huge difference to how your car drives. You are placing more strain on your transmission if you keep accelerating and braking constantly. Transmission damage could result in a leak.
A manual transmission car has more considerations. It’s important to know exactly when to change gears. You can also cause leaks if you shift too soon or too late.
3. Repair Problems Immediately
If you notice a transmission leak or other problem, it’s critical that you repair it immediately. If you let problems go unattended, it will only lead to more troubles.
Whenever the system doesn’t have the right amount of transmission fluid, permanent damage can occur. Considering the average cost for transmission replacement is between $1,500 and $4,000, you can’t afford to neglect the care of this vital car part. You can have your transmission checked by a professional mechanic if you're not sure how to fix it.
FAQs
Is there a common location for transmission fluid leaks?
Transmission fluid leaks usually occur due to a crack in the pan or the drain plug. Common locations for leaks are the transmission pan gasket and fluid lines.
Is it easy to repair transmission leaks?
Transmission leaks are both simple and complex to correct. If it’s just a leaking pan plug or gasket, it can be a quick and easy fix. If the leak is caused by transmission damage, however, this can prove costly and complicated to fix.
Where can I find the source of my transmission's leakage?
It can be hard to find transmission leaks because fluid gets all over the place and causes havoc. It is best to clean the fluid up and take it for a test drive. Now lift up the vehicle and inspect it again.
Are small leaks in transmissions bad?
Transmission fluid leaks can be very dangerous if it is not addressed immediately. But if it’s only a very small leak, it’s probably not something you need to fix right away, but in the long run, even a small leak can cause damage to both the environment and your car.
RELATED: Rear Main Seal Leak – Symptoms, Causes & Replacement Cost
Leave a Reply
¡Más Contenido!