What causes a leak in the transmission shaft?
A gasket provides a seal between the pan and the transmission. That gasket can eventually wear out, resulting in a fluid leak. Output shaft seal leaks are a common problem. On vehicles that have a rear-wheel drive bias layout, the output shaft seal is at the rear of the transmission extension housing.
How can you tell if your transmission fluid is leaking?
Droplets of fluid underneath the transmission are a telltale sign of a leak. Automatic transmission fluid is typically red in color when it’s relatively fresh and clean. Manual transmission fluid (or gear oil) is semi-transparent or honey-colored. But what exactly causes a transmission fluid leak in the first place?
Where does the fluid go in a transmission shaft?
As the fluid traveled down the output shaft and yoke splines it leaked through the holes in this plug. Unfortunately, the plug was never a serviceable part and is not available separately. Photo #2 shows the view from the inside of the yoke, looking down the splines.
What happens when you change the transmission fluid?
Too often, this happens immediately after you change the transmission fluid. An automatic transmission sustains hydraulic pressure through a variety of transmission seals. However, over time, these seals will crack and get worn out, especially when being exposed to heat often.
A gasket provides a seal between the pan and the transmission. That gasket can eventually wear out, resulting in a fluid leak. Output shaft seal leaks are a common problem. On vehicles that have a rear-wheel drive bias layout, the output shaft seal is at the rear of the transmission extension housing.
As the fluid traveled down the output shaft and yoke splines it leaked through the holes in this plug. Unfortunately, the plug was never a serviceable part and is not available separately. Photo #2 shows the view from the inside of the yoke, looking down the splines.
Droplets of fluid underneath the transmission are a telltale sign of a leak. Automatic transmission fluid is typically red in color when it’s relatively fresh and clean. Manual transmission fluid (or gear oil) is semi-transparent or honey-colored. But what exactly causes a transmission fluid leak in the first place?
Too often, this happens immediately after you change the transmission fluid. An automatic transmission sustains hydraulic pressure through a variety of transmission seals. However, over time, these seals will crack and get worn out, especially when being exposed to heat often.