I have a leak coming from the transmission at the side where it bolts to the motor. I was wondering if there is a gasket there. Or if it just bolts there. How hard is it to change that out, and how much round about would it cost at a shop? Also what type of fluid should I use to fill when i get the leak fixed. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Are you leaking transmission fluid or engine oil? If it is either/or and it is coming from where the tranny bolts to the engine, you will more than likely have to pull the transmission. If it is transmission fluid leaking then it is probably a front seal inside the bell housing, if it is engine oil, it is possibly the rear main seal around the crankshaft. If the leak is coming from the shifter tower area on top, check the little rubber plugs on the housing of the shifter towards the front. Those are notorious for leaking. A leaking transmission on one of these transmissions will shell one out in a hurry if you are not careful. I always heard that and tried to keep an eye on mine, but now that I have shelled one out I believe it.

 

Or the fluid leaking out could be brake fluid from the slave cylinder.

 

If this is a Mazda 5-speed, and it probably is, it could be coming from the shift plugs up on the top cover.

 

All 3 of the above post may be a possibity.

 

If it's leaking brake(clutch) fluid then that slave cylinder is about done with. You can check the master clutch cylinder's fluid level. If it's low then the slave is leaking....or you might already know.

If your clutch pedal "throw" is small and it take more to engage the clutch then you know it's brake fluid from the slave.

Brake fluid from the hydraulic clutch system doesn't drip to well - not like tranny fluid/engine oil/gear oil.


If it's tranny fluid (Mercon in the M5R2's) then it could be from the plugs on top as mentioned earlier or a seal break.


Also could be engine oil as mentioned earlier.


All 3 fluids smell different and look different.


Unless - you have all 3 conditions and then you have some fun waiting for you!


Good luck


/Ricache

 

Hey there,

what are the plugs you’re talking about? Do you have a sense of where they are? I might be having the same problem!

 

 

Is it possible that it is leaking oil on the
side of the motor in the area under the spark plugs and blowing back towards the transmission?

Also check the transmission fluid level and see if it is low which would be more related to the rubber plugs.

 

Hey @phoneman91 , just wanted to loop back around and thank you for this! It was the plugs! I took up the carpet and pulled it out the the plugs were covered in grime and gunk. I cleaned it out completely, washed and cleaned the plugs, used some gasket maker and reinstalled them. They were still in good condition and it hasn't leaked a drop since!

Now back to the list for the next 'small fix'! Thanks again for the help. This forum is unreal!