Transmission fluid leak

[tryanmax]

I just signed up to the forum, but I've been looking at it for some time now. Very useful, so thank you for all your collective knowledge.

Unfortunately, I'm writing because I made a boo-boo. Last night, I changed my brakes, and I think I may have put the jack in a bad spot at one point, because I now have a transmission fluid leak.

Any ideas as to what I may have broken? Any photos or drawings out there to help me determine what I've done?

Thanks in advance

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum. First, are you sure it's transmission fluid? Red in color. If it is, you must have put that jack way under to break/rupture one of the lines. I'm not at home or have my PT right now to look under there to see what you might have done but the best thing is to jack it up yourself again, using the outer edge of the car, to see what's wrong or if it's not too bad of a leak, get it to a shop that can put it on a lift to find your damage. Also, start it up first and see if the leak increases or see if it's pouring out when it's under pressure.

If the leak increases dramatically, you'll have to fix it before moving it or have it towed.

[tryanmax]

It is red fluid, and yes, I jacked it up using a point other than the recommended lift points. (I consulted my manual after the error.)

I discovered the problem on my way into work this morning. Smoke started coming from the wheel well and is smelled of burnt toast. Once parked, I found a drop of red fluid, so I imagine it's pretty quick.

I don't think I broke a line, but I fear I may have damaged the transmission pan or gasket. Is this likely?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by tryanmax

I don't think I broke a line, but I fear I may have damaged the transmission pan or gasket. Is this likely?

I don't think so as the pan is towards the middle of the car unless you reallydid go all the way under to jack it up.

If you have the manual (mines back in Florida) there should be a picture of the underneath of the car (front end) in the front of the book. Try and remember where you placed the jack and see if there's anything in the picture that can help you figure out what you hit.

The only lines I can think of right now (I'm up in Virginia visiting my Grandkids) aren't related to the transaxle.

[tryanmax]

I don't think I have the same manual as you do, I cannot find a figure like you describe. (The closest thing is a figure of the front suspension, but it doesn't detail what I'm looking for.) If anybody has a diagram or picture of the front (or whole) undercarriage, please post it so we can have a look.

Thanks

[Hooligan]

There is a "sticky" on this forum covering the parts manual. Download it and see it that helps locate the location you may have damaged the line.

[tryanmax]

I've downloaded the manual, and it seems to be the same I already had. In any case, after rolling around on the ground last night, I decided that I couldn't possibly have placed the jack under anything related to the transmission. (I think I put it beneath the control-arm, which isn't good for lifting a car, but shouldn't cause any hurt. Correct me if I am wrong.)

I think that the occurrence of the transmission leak at the same time as my brake change is coincidental, but I am still open to any advice regarding diagnosing the issue. As it is right now, the entire pan is covered in fluid.

Thanks,

[CREWZIN]

Sorry, no more guesses from me. If you want to diagnose it yourself, clean it off the best you can and try and take a look again when it just starts to leak and maybe you can pinpoint the bad area.

[GALVANIZEDYANKEE]

To easly find a tranny leak throw an ounce of UV dye in the transmission. Get the car in a dark place and shine a UV light in the proximity of the leak. It will glow a florescent yellow. Any parts jobber sells the dye. The UV lights can be rather expensive.

[tryanmax]

I found and repaired the leak. It was the solenoid gasket on the upper part of the transmission. It was actually fairly easy to replace, I was surprised! I've also learned that on these transmissions, it's fairly common for this piece to spring a leak as the weather gets cold.

Oh, and I didn't damage anything lifting the car. That was just my paranoia!