Can a hairline crack in the transmission bell housing be repaired?

Tiny
DARRON 242
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
The transmission housing (bell housing) has a hairline crack at the l lower left side and the fluid is seeping out slowly when parked but fast as the car is driving. Can the crack be fixed, or does it need to be replaced?
Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 3:09 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

It likely could be welded. However, it is aluminum, and you will need someone that can TIG weld. Please keep in mind that I'm not sure where it is leaking other than the lower left. Are you certain it is the bell housing and not a pan leak? I ask because it's odd that it would leak faster when running unless it is in a pressurized section.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, September 10th, 2022 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
DARRON 242
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I really can't say if it's in a pressurized section or not because it took me a while to find it but the closet description, I can give is that it's on the side of the transmission that has the plug that lets you know when you have filled the transmission with fluid. The crack is literally a horizontal line (not visible, fluid draining/seeping) about two inches from what I can see. It's directly on the side of the chassis (I think A frame) about three inches from the bottom of the actual transmission. I will try to get a photo but it's in a very tight spot right next to chassis so the photo will just be the general area!
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
DARRON 242
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I may have used the wrong term when I said bell housing because I really don't know the parts of the transmission.
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. The bell housing is what attaches to the engine. What you described sounds like the transmission housing.

It's interesting that it's worse when it runs because if it is at the fill port, the fluid is at its highest point with the engine off. When started, it drops to the fill port level.

Because of the location, it may need to be removed to have it tig welded. They make products that may help temporarily. Actually, it may last the life of the vehicle, but I can't be sure. Take a look at the pic below.

If you decided to use something like this (there are other brands), the area needing repair must be clean and dry. I would recommend using something like a brake cleaner to remove any oil and dirt from the transmission. If you have access and the area needs to be repaired and it's flat and smooth, take sandpaper and rough the area so it has a better chance to stick tightly.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care and let me know if you have questions.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, September 12th, 2022 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
DARRON 242
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Thank you for the help, I'll go with your advice! It's sounds salvageable so I'll try and get a repairman that can do the job. Unfortunately, there aren't many TIG welders where I am from, and the big companies snatch them up. I spoke to a mechanic friend of mine, and he said he'll be able to repair it with something called fiberglass resin or and resin, any idea if his method would or can get the job done?
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 AT 6:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

It will certainly slow things down. I believe the resin can be porous and still allow it to seep. See what he thinks of the product I mentioned above.

All in all, the most important thing is to have the part for repair to be clean and dry so what you use has a chance to adhere properly.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
DARRON 242
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Spoke with him today and he said your recommendation was better, so I'll go with it. Thank you again!
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If you get a chance, could you let me know how it turns out for you? I'm interested in knowing if that takes care of the issue.

Let me know. If you can't, I understand.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, September 14th, 2022 AT 7:01 PM

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