digger21

I was headed into the mountains to hit a couple trails when the guy that was following me up called and said I was smoking badly and spraying something on him. I stopped and looked underneath to see my whole underside covered in transmission fluid. I checked my level and it was ok, so I got it back to my house and thats where im at. Im thinking a seal or pump problem. Ive never dealt with a leak from this area so opinions would help. Here are some pics, any help would be great, thanks.

crystalion

If ur running your under "pressure" which would make someone behind see a plume of smoke.. Leaks run from front to back from top to bottom so take a good look and if its not leaking start it up and take a second look.

digger21

Well I know where it's leaking from. I've already cleaned up the underside and located it. Right where you see the drip in the pictures is where the leak is.

digger21

Also he said the smoke was from underneath so it's the fluid hitting the hot exhaust. It was leaking pretty good once I pulled over and I could see the drips smoking on the exhaust. The leak has slowed as of now but still there, just waiting for it to cool down before I get under there

digger21

Another question, once I take off that inspection plate on the bell housing, is it easy to tell whether its the front seal, pump seal, etc? This is just a new section to me so im trying to get it right. thanks

kyledye25

U won't be able to tell. It's probably a seal. Main seal. Pain to replace any seals in the tranny.

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excess650

Mine did that once, more than 10 years ago. I never knew it to happen again.

BotakBeng

My money is on rear main seal.

digger21

Um...really? Cmon now

BotakBeng

Hope i'm wrong but is a cheap fix.....messy, time consuming but cheap tho.
No harm leaving it alone if you don't mind an oil driveway.

GL.

digger21

Rear main seal of the engine? Cause it's tranny fluid not engine oil so I already factored that out.

kyledye25

Main seal in the tranny. There is one on the tranny and the motor.

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digger21

So the rear main would have it running down the bellhousing? Im gonna end up dropping this damn transmission anyways to fix whatever so just trying to learn

Bustedback

Your front pump seal or torque converter seal is leaking, the transmission will have to come out in order to fix it. If it's the torque converter seal you can replace it without removing the pump. But if it's the front pump seal you have to remove the pump and it is tricky to get the pump installed without damaging the new seal. Once you have the transmission and torque converter out you should check for a groove worn into the sealing area on the converter. If there is a groove worn into the converter, you may have a problem with leaks even with a new seal. Also check the flexplate for any signs of cracking while you have everything apart.

digger21

Thanks I really appreciate all that. I'm pretty good with cars but haven't messed with a tranny since high school. I plan to start on this tomorrow