Hiya folks-
I've tried to do as much research on my trans leak as possible, but I thought I'd try to tap into the collective knowledge of FTE to see if you folks can help me out-

Over the past 6 mos. or so, I have noticed a bit of fluid leaking under my truck- not a lot, just enough to get things juicy and dirty. It's started leaking a little more lately- like a tennis ball size spot on the driveway over a couple days of sitting.

This past weekend, I verified that it was not an oil leak coming from the engine, but a trans leak- the fluid tends to show up especially toward the rear of the trans pan and bolts, as well as the trans cross member.

I got underneath and cleaned everything well and got it all dried off, then I added fluid until the fluid level shows up just at the bottom of the 'Hot' area of the dipstick. (Checked and added fluid with trans hot, vehicle level, engine running)

I've driven it around and brought it up to normal operating temp a few times since, and I still have the leak.

I've been thinking that it might be coming from one of the vent tubes on top of the trans, which is possible why the front of the trans is nice and dry- but I wonder why that would be, if the trans is not getting really hot- maybe 160-170 normally. I have a pretty big trans cooler (TruCool Max), shown in my sig line. The trans is also not overfilled.

Do any of you have any suggestions, or ideas I might try to chase down to get the leak to stop?

I appreciate the help-

 

Have you checked the bolts in the extension housing area? Also, the seal on the shift linkage lever could seep and travel down the case above the pan and drip down on the cross member.

 

Thanks Roland-
Those are some good ideas that I'll keep my eyes open for the next time I get back under the truck. I'll report back what I find-

Thanks!

 

Have you guys ever heard of a leak happening at the trans temp sensor for the pillar gauges?

Its been so long since I have installed these gauges, I don't even remember if there's an O-ring involved. I'm tending to lean in that direction as the source of the leak, but the sensor is tight, and it has never leaked before since I installed it 10 years ago. Seems an odd place for a leak to suddenly spring up.

 

Yes. It can be a possible leak source. The sending unit and case use 1/8" NPT threads. A little liquid thread sealant/paste is all that is needed.