Sometimes, we suddenly see a tiny puddle of crimson fluid underneath our automobile. Most likely, a transmission seal leak is to blame for this.
This leak, which typically spreads across our garage floor, isn’t so rare. Therefore, many people ask, “Is leaking transmission fluid bad?”.
If it is leaking, this could lead to serious problems and expensive repairs.
This post will help readers to learn more about transmission front seal leak symptoms and how to diagnose ourselves.
What Does A Transmission Leak Mean?
As the phrase implies, it is a situation where a fluid leak appears around the front transmission area. In the car structure, there is a connected spot between the torque converter and the transmission case.
This spot will be covered with a seal, called a front seal, to prevent any fluid leakage through this area. Rubber is a material that is frequently used for this front seal.
“Can a sealed transmission leak?” – Yes! It could occur for multiple reasons. The seal’s deterioration is one of the most common causes.
Usually, when we drive an automatic car, the seals will undergo pressure from car operation. Therefore, the transmission seals may eventually split or wear out.
This is particularly true if a large amount of fluid is leaked or if they are exposed to heat for an extended period.
Transmission Front Seal Leak Symptoms
Fluid Drops
One of the simplest ways to determine this transmission issue is to check the surrounding area. Look at the ground where we park our cars or underneath it.
Most of the time, the garage or driveway will get dark stains from the liquid leak. Then, let’s inspect all the fluid levels of cars and see any drops on the ground.
Dipstick
The second thing to do if we are worried about transmission fluid leaks is to check the dipstick to see how much liquid remains.
We can check by simply removing the dipstick, wiping it, and re-inserting it. Then let’s remove it once more to see the current level.
The liquid ought to be pinkish and transparent. We should replace a new fluid if it has a brownish appearance. Moreover, don’t forget to add the necessary amount when the level is low.
Dashboard Warning Light
There are many dashboard warning lights in modern vehicles. These are intended to notify us of multiple potential engine problems.
For example, the leaky seal leading to a higher temperature than usual could cause the transmission’s warning light to illuminate.
Let’s consult the manufacturer’s manual if we have no idea what the warning light is telling us.
We should take the automobile to auto repair services if the light continues to illuminate for more accurate diagnostics.
Strange Vibration
Sometimes, transmission seals leaking can create strange noises and vibrations while driving. As a result, the gears can be slipped eventually.
In reality, a low liquid level prevents the automatic transmissions from operating as intended, which leads to bad performance, like severe slowness or abrupt surges.
Later, this results in vibration and inconsistent performance. It also can lead to dangerous incidents.
Grinding Gears
Another symptom that comes from transmission failure is the grinding sound of gears. It’s also negatively impacted by the low fluid level.
If this grinding occurs for a certain time, the transmission’s synchronizer may be severely damaged.
Clunking Sounds
Clunking is the next noise our automobiles can create that would warn us of potential transmission damage.
When hearing this clunking noise, we should bring our cars to a repair shop to have them mended by a technician.
Burning Smell & Extreme Heat
It is said that certain strange smells can be one of the leaking transmission fluid symptoms.
We may notice a burning smell, meaning that our liquid is low and heating up. As a significant amount is leaking, the left amount can’t handle all the generated heat.
As a result, the temperature gradually accumulates. Additionally, the gears that abruptly lack lubrication will cause the engine to get heat.
We can feel that heat through the floor. It’s an obvious sign! In this case, let’s look for warning signals of an overheating engine on the car dashboard.
Delay In Acceleration
A vehicle’s gearbox is built to change gears instantly. The gears usually move smoothly, so we can’t notice them under typical circumstances.
However, when the front transmission seal leak occurs, the car can’t accelerate as smoothly as planned. There will be some frequently delayed responses when we change gears.
In this circumstance, when we depress the gas pedal, we feel that the engine revs, but the speed doesn’t go up much.
Makes Noises in Neutral
Sometimes, transmission leaking from the front can start making strange noises when we shift gears, or even the car is in neutral.
Therefore, a car’s noise may indicate it’s time to refill the fluid. Don’t worry! This can be resolved quickly.
We can do it ourselves if we understand the system and get enough skills, or we can have a mechanic fix that.
How to Diagnose Front Seal Problems
Follow the steps below to help us recognize our front seal problems. However, if we don’t have enough skill and experience, finding a professional is always a smart choice!
Step 1
First, regularly check the liquid level with a gearbox dipstick. It is often found in the engine compartment. We should park our cars in a flat area, start them up, and check the fluid level.
Step 2
Check the fluid quality by dropping and watching a liquid spot for 30 seconds on a piece of paper towel. The liquid is in good shape if it spreads widely and is reddish, pinkish, or light brown.
However, if it doesn’t spread or has darker colors, it’s time to replace the automatic fluid to prevent other internal damage.
Step 3
Now, let’s check underneath the car for any patches of reddish or brownish liquid logged in the system. Usually, the front transmission seal leak gets worse over time.
In the beginning, the drops can’t frequently appear, so we can’t recognize them. Therefore, checking the underneath appearance will help us to recognize the faulty seal.
N.B. Whenever we recognize the level drops shortly after filling with fresh liquid, look at the front or torque converter seal, as it is most likely the leaking spot.
Step 4
Let’s pay attention to the surrounding area of our cars. If the seal leak happens, we absolutely can see those marks.
Step 5
Drive the car and pay attention to weird changes, if any. It’s crucial to understand and analyze how our car is acting.
For example, if the fluid level is drained due to transmission seals leaking, the vehicle won’t accelerate smoothly or shift gears slowly or erratically.
Conclusion
The transmission front seal leak symptoms aren’t hard to recognize. All we need to do is pay close attention to car changes.
Look for liquid drops on the ground, dashboard warning lights, vibration or strange sounds, etc.
From there, we can diagnose leaking problems and control the situation more actively and efficiently.