Apple Valley MN
Transmission Leaks Service

Kennedy Transmission has years of experience when it comes to diagnosing and repairing leaking transmission problems for our customers in the greater Apple Valley area. When our transmission shop gets a call from someone who tells us they noticed a puddle of red fluid under their automobile, we let them know it is not a good thing and usually indicates that fluid is leaking from their transmission. Aside from the unsightly stains on a garage floor or driveway, a transmission leak can be expensive to fix.

In an effort to help our customers understand why transmissions leak and the ensuing costs associated with diagnosing and repairing the transmission, Kennedy Transmission is pleased to provide the following information.

Top Transmission Leaking Causes

Transmission leaks may be a result of both minor or critical reasons. Regardless of the two reasons, Kennedy Transmission advises our Apple Valley area customers that diagnosing and fixing a leaky transmission should never be delayed.

Often times, delaying even the simplest of repairs can result in a leaking transmission problem becoming much worse and resulting in a more expensive fix. Listed below are the sources of the 5 most common causes of a leaking transmission for the vehicles fixed at Kennedy Transmission.

#1 — Drain Plug or Pan

Similar to just about any other mechanical component of a vehicle, the transmission pan will encounter normal wear and tear. This is in great part related to driving conditions that damage the pan, including road debris and loose rocks repeatedly hitting the pan.

If a pan gets punctured from such damage, or the pan's bolts or drain plug is loosened, a leak is likely to result. When a larger rock or debris item hits and damages the pan, a more rapid loss of fluid will happen and diminished performance will be noticed immediately.

Alternatively, leaks from small holes or punctures will not be noticed as quickly. When a drain plug or pan bolt is not fastened securely, or over tightened, leaks can occur as well. Interestingly enough, these situations happen often times immediately after changing the transmission fluid.

#2 — Broken Transmission Seals

The hydraulic pressure needed for an automatic transmission to operate properly is sustained with the assistance of numerous transmission seals. These same seals can become cracked and become worn out over time in great part to their continued exposure to heat.

When a transmission leak occurs from such an occurrence as cracked, worn seals, there could be numerous parts of a transmission that require inspection. Commonly, but not always, the leak will be located in either the input or output shaft. Other sources of leaks in the seals of a transmission could be in the pan, driveshaft, plugs, sensors, shifter housing, valve body, tail housing, or speedometer input.

#3 — Transmission Pan Gasket

Some causes of the pan in a transmission becoming damaged or cracked can be related to poor manufacturing, improper gasket alignment in previous installations, and continued exposure to extremely hot temperatures. As a gasket for a transmission pan is not too expensive to be replaced, this should be completed quickly to avoid more serious damage and potentially costly repairs.

#4 — Leaking Torque Converter

A primary role of the torque converter is to disperse fluid into the transmission. When the pump in a torque converter has a crack somewhere on the body, or the needle bearings are damaged, transmission fluid can leak.

#5 — Cracked Fuel Line

Constructed of aluminum or steel, the fluid lines in a transmission can be another source of a leaking transmission. Normally transmission lines are very durable, but like the transmission pan, lines can incur damage from being exposed to heat or road debris and rocks. The lines can become cracked if not even entirely break.

Typical Transmission Leak Repair Expense

The short answer to the “typical cost” of fixing a transmission leak is that there is no typical cost. Generally speaking though, and when the transmission itself does not require removal, the cost to fix a transmission leak can be as low as $75. Replacing pan bolts, drain plugs, gaskets, seals, and fluid lines are typically the least expensive types of fixes. But costs can vary dependent on the complexity of the leak, damaged or worn out parts, type of vehicle, etc.

Kennedy Transmission tells customers experiencing a leaking transmission that ultimately the final cost will be determined from where in the transmission the leak is originating. For example if the leak is in the front seal, the entire transmission will require removal. Obviously this will result in a more costly service.

Inspection Methodology

When a vehicle with a leaking transmission is brought to the team of specialists at Kennedy Transmission, the first step in the repair is to observe and identify where the leak is originating from. This is determined by observing where the fluid is dripping from.

More times than not, the leak will travel having the least resistance. When a loosened part is the culprit of the leak, that part will be properly tightened by our specialist.

When the source of a leak is due to a cracked or worn part, it will require replacement. Prior to any such work being completed, Kennedy Transmission will provide an estimate for the completed repair before proceeding.