What happens if you have a transmission leak?
If your vehicle is operated with low transmission fluid for any length of time, catastrophic damage could be the result. A transmission leak repair can be a relatively minor situation in many cases. A transmission oil pan, for example, can be resealed and new fluid installed for a couple hundred dollars on many vehicles.
How much does it cost to repair a transmission fluid leak?
If you have fluid leaking from your transmission, the typical cost to repair the leak (without taking off the transmission) is between $150 and $200.
How does a transmission seal keep fluid from leaking?
An axle or driveshaft attaches to the transmission, directing power to the drive wheels. Where the shaft enters the transmission there is a seal used to keep the fluid on the correct side. Over thousands of miles and over several years, that seal can break down or tear, and fluid will leak past.
What causes a transmission pan gasket to leak?
Here are four common areas where transmission leaks can develop. The transmission pan is fairly easy to spot when you look at the bottom of your vehicle. Pan gaskets are designed to seal the pan so that it does not leak. If they do not have a perfect dry seal, transmission fluid can leak from this area. This can happen due to normal wear and tear.
Is it worth it to repair a transmission fluid leak?
Although the costs of repairing a transmission fluid leak can get very high, some tips can help you reduce the costly repairs. Make a good habit of checking your transmission fluid level. If you were able to detect a transmission fluid leak, you might be able to solve the problem early with a meager price.
How is the cost of a transmission leak determined?
However, the true cost will be determined by where the leak is actually coming from on the transmission. If the front seal is where the leak is, then you will have to remove the transmission first. This will obviously increase the price of the repair job by a good amount.
What to do if your transmission valve is leaking?
To prevent future issues with the transmission valve body, make sure you are running the correct automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for your vehicle. You should get in the habit of routinely checking the transmission fluid level, especially if you notice any transmission fluid leaks.
How can you tell if you have a transmission leak?
A puddle on the ground: The most obvious sign of a transmission leak is discovering a pool of transmission fluid under your vehicle. Most leaks start small, so check your regular parking spot often. A few drops aren’t necessarily a major problem, but it will be the sign that you have the start of a leak.