2006 Mitsubishi Galant Transmission Fluid Leak

KORNAJ20

MEMBER
2006 MITSUBISHI GALANT
2.4L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
238,000 MILES

I noticed a large size puddle underneath my car for almost the last week. It is about one foot by two feet in size. The weather has been really hot and humid lately so I have run the a/c a lot. I thought it was a condensation puddle from the refrigerant at first. Then I noticed that it stained the driveway and it didn't smell like water when I touched it. I jacked the car up and looked underneath. The bottom of the transmission had multiple points were there was drips about to fall. None of the drips were coming out of a crack or any opening. It looked like the transmission fluid was just sweating out. I tried to trace to any source that would have leaked this. The area around the shaft coming out of the transmission on the drivers side was wet, but I didn't see anything to confirm that the leak was coming from the shaft. This is my first Mitsubishi, so I am really confused with what this could be. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

This sounds like a good application for leak-tracing dye. Wash the entire area with engine degreaser and water, add a small bottle of dark purple dye to the transmission fluid, drive the car a few miles, then search with a black light. The dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source. Auto parts stores will have the dye for the fluid you're leak-checking, and those that rent or borrow tools should have a black light.

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Monday, July 20th, 2015 AT 7:44 PM

KORNAJ20

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I found that the transmission is leaking in several spots. The gaskets are allowing fluid to leak. The axl shaft has fluid by it and there is even fluid puddle on what looks like somewhere on the top of the transmission. Are replacing these parts something that would be a huge do it yourself undertaking or would it be best to have a certified mechanic do this?

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Saturday, July 25th, 2015 AT 8:56 PM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

I don't know what your skill level is. An experienced do-it-yourselfer should be able to handle an axle seal, but you have to remember, leaking fluid runs down and makes many parts look like they're leaking. I still recommend washing the area, then using the dye. It's very unlikely two to four things all started leaking at the same time.

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Saturday, July 25th, 2015 AT 9:41 PM