Help identify the part (850, transmission fluid leak)

LittleEndian · Post by **LittleEndian** » 24 Sep 2018, 13:51

Recently replaced my transmission fluid that was low, and not I appear to have found the culprit that caused it to go low. After replacing the transmission fluid, I followed the instructions, and reached the min/max level on HOT side of the stick (such as drive for 30min, shift trough park, reverse, drive, etc, wait few min then check level).

Today, after not driving for a few days, I noticed a puddle of transmission fluid in the drive way. After some investigation, I noticed that the location where the dipstick tube goes in was a bit of wetness. Also, underneath, I found this part that was completely wet with transmission fluid, I don't know what it is (see attached file), it has some orange plastic looking hard substance around it.

What this part? It looks like a gasket has melted and was squeezed out.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Sep 2018, 14:53

It's normal for that red gasket goo to be squished out like that. So that may not be the leak.

Is the area around the driver's side axle seal wet with fresh fluid, or look ok? That's the most common spot for a trans fluid leak.

Here's a very slow axle seal leak to help you locate it, first pic in the thread: viewtopic.php?t=54770. The rusty axle shaft has some fluid on it there.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 24 Sep 2018, 15:28

I am not familiar with that transmission, but agree with erikv11. From the picture it appears that the area you photographed has been worked on before. The RTV used could be leaking, but the pictures don't show it. Usually you will see drops and more build up. What I am seeing is oil blown around from another area. I would expect the bolt heads or ridges to have some oil about to drip.

I would look at the axle seal, look for build ups that are about to drip. That is a tell tale sign of the source.

Post by **scot850** » 24 Sep 2018, 17:30

Give the whole area a good wipe down and clear as much dirt and residue off. As it is it is impossible to guess where it is coming from. Based on the black stuff on the engine lower torque rod you have had an issue of leakage in that area for a long time.

Clean as much off and check the rubber bushes in the torque rod as they will disintegrate in all that oil very quickly if they haven't already.

Neil.

BlackBrick · Post by **BlackBrick** » 25 Sep 2018, 13:46

based on that location, it could easily be blowing from the transmission cooler lines that connect into radiator. A bad or pinched oring are common leaks.