Transmission Leak Repair: Here’s What Car Owners Need to Know

admin • Sep 27, 2021

You know it’s time for the transmission leak repair when you see a small puddle of red fluid underneath your car. It indicates that your transmission fluid is leaking.

Moreover, the leak might occur due to the broken seals in the unit and lead to severe problems. That’s why it’s essential to maintain a proper car care routine and steer clear of these issues.

There’s no denying that the transmission is a complicated component in any vehicle. And each part of the transmission requires a different level of labor and cost.

This blog focuses on the repair costs and causes of a leaky transmission.

Let’s get started.

Transmission Leak Causes

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A transmission can leak due to minor or critical issues. But whatever the nature of the problem is, don’t allow your transmission to leak for a long time and get it checked.

Let’s take a look at common causes that contribute to fluid leaks.

Broken Seals

Your automatic transmission sustains hydraulic pressure through various transmission seals. And over time, these seals get cracked or worn out. Heat, on the other hand, also contributes to the damage.

If your transmission gets leaky from this, you need to examine many areas of your transmission. In other cases, you can find a leaky seal in the input or output shaft.

You can also check the driveshaft, transmission pan, shifter housing seal, sensors, valve body, plug seals, speedometer input seal, and tail housing seal.

Transmission Pan or Drain Plug

The transmission pan tends to experience wear and tear over time. While driving, the transmission pan also becomes susceptible to damage from the debris on the road.

Moreover, a leak can occur due to a small puncture, drain plugs, or bolts. If a rock or any big object damages the pan, the transmission will lose the fluid quickly.

Torque Converter Leak

Torque converter moves transmission fluid into the whole system. If it develops a crack or has damaged needle bearings, it leads to a leaky transmission.

In this case, the repair work won’t be simple. Therefore, you need to bring your car to a transmission leak repair shop to get proper service.

Cracks in Fluid Lines

Transmissions have fluid lines that are made of steel or aluminum. No doubt, these lines are durable, but they get damaged from road debris or exposure to heat.

Transmission Pan Gasket Fails

Your transmission carries a gasket pan, which can get damaged or cracked. This happens due to poor manufacturing, constant exposure to heat, lousy gasket alignment during installation.

Remember, replacing the pan gasket is inexpensive, and you need to get it done quickly to avoid serious problems.

Clogged Transmission Ventilation

Most automatic transmissions come with open transmission ventilation on top of the transmission to eliminate excess pressure inside it.

In some car models, this component can get clogged and lead to transmission leaks. You can look at ventilation hoses at the top of your transmission.

Or, you can ask your dealer if your car has transmission ventilation, as they are installed on the top of the transmission and are challenging to reach.

Transmission Leak Repair Costs

If you’re wondering how much does a transmission leak repair costs, it depends on the car model and labor costs. You can expect to pay between $50 to $150.

We’ve listed a leaky transmission’s repair costs, including parts, labor work, and new fluids. These prices differ, depending on your transmission. You can refer to them for a rough idea.

  • Transmission pan replacement (including fluid and filter) $250 – $500
  • Transmission pan drain plug replacement $20 – $50
  • Transmission gasket replacement cost (including fluid and filter) $150 – $400
  • Transmission fluid line replacement $50 – $200

How Can You Identify a Transmission Leak?

You can tell your transmission is leaking if you find transmission fluid underneath your car or on your driveway. Moreover, it’s easier to identify transmission fluid apart from other fluids by color, consistency, or smell.

Suppose your transmission fluid is brown and smells like it’s burnt. It’s a clear indication that your transmission needs inspection. And you also need to keep an eye on how your transmission starts.

For example, if your car is slow to start, take it as an indication that your transmission fluid has reached a low level or there’s a leak in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. How serious is a transmission leak?

If you have a leaky transmission, it can impose a severe threat to your car or truck. On the other hand, low fluid levels due to a leak will influence the performance of your transmission and damage essential parts.

  • Is it expensive to fix a transmission leak?

The cost to fix a fluid leak varies. It can be inexpensive, around $150 or $1000 for a new torque converter.  You can fix a transmission fluid leak without removing the transmission. It may cost around $150 to $200. This process includes minor repairs, for example, gasket, fluid lines, seals, drain plugs, or pan bolts. The cost is often based on where the leak is.

  • Is a small transmission leak bad?

It isn’t dangerous to drive your car when its transmission fluid is leaking. However, it’s not a good idea because your vehicle may not run properly. If there’s a minor leak, it’s simpler to fix it compared to a bigger one. Therefore, it’s suggested to get it fixed before it turns into a bigger leak.

  • How long does it take to repair a transmission?

Transmission repair work can take a full day, depending on the damage or service required. However, it needs at least 3 to 4 days to rebuild a transmission.

Conclusion

A leaky transmission can be caused by several factors. These causes could be simple, such as normal wear and tear on the transmission, or complex problems such as damaged needle bearings in a torque converter. 

Whatever the reason is, it’s wise to opt for a transmission leak repair service to prevent further damage. The cost of the transmission fluid leak repair varies. You can consult an expert to detect the problem, fix it, and make your car drive smoothly again.

We at Eagle Transmission & Automotive will make sure your transmission is properly maintained. Having worked on vehicles of all makes and models for over 30 years, we’re experts in all types of repairs. Please contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your repair or maintenance needs!

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