Transmission Fluid Leak

[marcusa]

I had my transmission fluid changed last week, it was getting old and was a bit low. A few days later I noticed a big spot under the front of my car, and after shutting it off could literally see it dripping. Went back to the mechanic and he tightened the bolts on the pan and said the gasket may have been a bit skinny. Level went from high mark to low mark. I parked in a different part of my driveway after a few days and sure enough, still leaking (not as much, but it could be because it is low). Today in cruise going 49MPH it would downshift to 3rd occasionally, even on level surfaces. I couldn't get an accurate reading when I got back home, but I'm thinking it's now low and slipping a bit. Any common places for leaks from a 3800 Series II? Could the mechanic have overfilled itand something damage itself? Any other thoughts? Hopefully, it won't be $$$ or I may have to sell my beloved Intrigue...

[Robby1870]

You need to have it full of fluid to drive it around or you are going to mess something up. Take it back to the mechanic and tell him to fix it. Simple as that. You could probably crawl under it and find the leak very easily.

[marcusa]

I just need to find time is all, pretty busy with classes (and I've been there twice in less than a week, once for the change the other to check). I tried to get a reading again and its only about a 1/4 inch from the tip of the dipstick. I'll be staying at home until I can go take it in I guess.

 

When it was on the rack the second time I looked under and it seemed to be coming from the side of the pan on the drivers side, anything further up that could leak and run down? I don't know these cars that well, if it was my Saturn I'd know in a snap.

 

I just hope something bad is wrong with it or that it got overfilled and blew out a seal somewhere.

[Regal_GS_1989]

The only places that a transmission could leak from would be axle seals, side cover gasket, differential housing and pan gasket. I would say that is most likely the pan, as thats the only thing that would have been touched in draining the fluid/changing the filter.

 

EDIT: I just saw that you said that it seems to be comming down the side of the pan. That could be the driver side axle seal that is leaking

[marcusa]

Please tell me if it is an axle seal it is simple and cheap. If not, anyone want an Intrigue project car?

[Regal_GS_1989]

Depends on where you are, but i dont see something like that costing more then 80$. Its not overly hard to do on your own either.

[marcusa]

That's a relief. I checked my Chilton's and there was nothing on it and feared the worse (that being having to drop the tranny and crack it open to do the repair).

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

I would drop the pan and inspect/replace the gasket. The factory gasket should have metal rings where the bolts go through (so they don't crack if overtightened). The ones in the kits are usually just plain rubber but should still be fine if your factory gasket is cracked for whatever reason.