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Automatic transmission leaking

Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Hi everyone,

My car is leaking transmission oil. Change one of the transmission seals but still the same and don't think that the second one is bad.
I'm wondering what might cause this leakage.
Look under the car and see transmission oil drops on the engine bay. Check the solenoid seal and it looks okay.
Is the leak coming from inside the transmission?
What might be the cause of this leaking?
The oil is red in color so sure it is transmission oil.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2022 AT 8:14 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

The leak could be a few different things. First, it can leak from where the inner CV joints connect to the transmission. There are seals in there that can be damaged and leaking. There is a drain plug and fill plug that can be leaking. And there are gaskets that can be leaking.

Do you see fluid on the transmission itself? If you look upward, do you see evidence if it coming from high on the transmission?

Also, there are two cooling lines from the transmission that are attached by what is called a banjo bolt. They are known to leak, so it would be a good idea to check them as well. I attached a pic of what I'm referring to below.

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, May 14th, 2022 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Thanks for your reply. From what I remember, the engine above is dry and also the transmission. Based on the picture you attached, it does not seem the leaks coming from there.
It's already night by the time I'm replying to you.
Let me take some pictures tomorrow and send them to you to have a better idea how it is and what I'm referring to.
I'm sure the picture will give you a better idea of the situation and hopefully you will be able to help me sort out this problem.
Will send you some pics.
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I will do my best. And yes, the pics may point me in another direction.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply and pics.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,
See the picture. When look beneath the engine you can see droplets of transmission oil.
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Thursday, May 19th, 2022 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

It seems to be more on the driver's side, but certainly, there is a leak. Check where the axle pushes into the transmission. See if it is wet around that area.

I attached a pic below showing the part that pushed into the transmission. I highlighted the portion that sits inside the seal.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, May 19th, 2022 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,

So, I checked around the area where the axle pushes into the transmission and indeed it is wet.
Before I start dismantling it, what am I supposed to see around that area you highlighted in the picture? A crack or damage?
My wife runs the car during weekdays, and I will be dismantling it on Sat and Sun. Only during these 2 days that I will have to check, but and replace any damage part so that she can run the car on Monday.
Also, I forget to add that when the transmission oil runs low, it takes time to switch the third and gear.
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Monday, May 23rd, 2022 AT 9:50 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

In most cases, the seal simply wears out or dries out allowing fluid to get past it. As far as the replacement. The axles need to be removed. Plus, if I recall there is an intermediate axle shaft on the vehicle. Confirm that for me.

When you remove the drive axle from the transmission, confirm there are no burrs or damage where the seal would ride.

I'm not sure if you have done it before, but here is a link that explains how to (replace) a CV axle. It's likely you aren't replacing it. This link explains how to remove and install it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, May 23rd, 2022 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,

See the picture of what you describe me. I think the seal looks damaged and will be changing it today. Hope this was the cause of the leak.
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Looking at the transmission housing, it does appear the leak was in that area. This should take care of it.

When you install the new seal, make sure to lubricate it with ATF before installing the axle. That will help prevent damage. Also, be really careful not to hit the seal with the input shaft.

Let me know if this takes care of the problem.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, May 28th, 2022 AT 10:14 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,

So, after changing the seal, I have been observing the car for more than week.
Though the oil leakage has not stopped completely, it has improved a lot.
But there's still some leakage from underneath the car.
Also, I should mention that whenever changing gear from 2nd to 3rd, sometimes the car does lots of vroom before getting to the 3rd gear. Sometimes you need to let go of the accelerator completely, accelerate slowly for it to change to the 3rd gear.
This happens only between the 2nd and 3rd gear.
I'll be getting under the car this Sat/Sun to see further where the leak is coming from.
But if you have any ideas, that will greatly help. Do you think it might be coming from the steering rack or any of its pipes or the pump itself?
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Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm glad to hear it has improved. I'm interested in knowing where the new leak is coming from, so let me know.

As far as the shifting issue, are you certain the fluid is full?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 AT 5:16 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Yes, I refill the transmission oil tank completely to the upper level. It's been 2 weeks and the level is almost the same, but as I mentioned before, there's still a small leakage underneath the car.
I will see if I can get below the car today and check where the leak is coming from and will send you some pics.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 2:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Place a large piece of cardboard under it. That will help you with locating it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
TRISHNA SINGH BUNDHOO
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Hi Joe, seeing your message only now.
See attached picture.
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 4:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Wow, it looks wet everywhere which makes it difficult (especially from here) to identify. Here is what I'm going to suggest. With the engine/cold, spray it down with something like brake cleaner. That will remove the oil. Get as much off as possible. Then drive it one day and recheck for leaks. I'm hoping it will be coming from one area and you'll be able to follow the leak to where it comes from.

I'm sorry I don't have a concrete answer at this point. There is too much in too many places to make a determination. If you try cleaning it, that should help.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 9:40 PM

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