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I've been trying to trace a fluid leak for a while. Im 90% sure the fluid is ATF given the smell and the fact that I cant feel or see any oil as if the rear main seal was leaking.
There is no trace of oil leaking down the face of the transmission pump housing, and the torque converter is dry.
The fluid collects in the area just behind the large trapezoid inspection cover and seems to seep through the bellhousing/engine block flange, then onto the o2 sensor loom, as well as through the forward of the 2 rectangular inspection ports. From here it migrates onto the trans cooler hardline.
Its infuriating as I believe the only way forward is to remove the transmission.
No external leaks on or around the bellhousing..
Im out of ideas
^^^ Locations of where the fluid collects and drips (lambda harness) Area inside the bellhousing where fluid collects
Could possibly be leaking from the torque converter "lug" that bolt's to the flex plate, there are three, but that would be a rare situation.
Wash inside the bell housing through the inspection hole real good. Just spray brake clean in there all around, you won't hurt anything, then run it a bit and check again. The key with leaks is to locate it as soon as possible before it ends up every where.
Do you have an inspection camera to look in there?
Could possibly be leaking from the torque converter "lug" that bolt's to the flex plate, there are three, but that would be a rare situation.
Wash inside the bell housing through the inspection hole real good. Just spray brake clean in there all around, you won't hurt anything, then run it a bit and check again. The key with leaks is to locate it as soon as possible before it ends up every where.
Do you have an inspection camera to look in there?
I'll be picking up a camera today. I'm not sure the bolts will be the source as mine has 6 bolts that go into the TC to join to the flex plate. These are stood off on brackets that are welded to the TC, but I'll have a close look at these areas.
I've been trying to trace a fluid leak for a while. Im 90% sure the fluid is ATF given the smell and the fact that I cant feel or see any oil as if the rear main seal was leaking.
There is no trace of oil leaking down the face of the transmission pump housing, and the torque converter is dry.
The fluid collects in the area just behind the large trapezoid inspection cover and seems to seep through the bellhousing/engine block flange, then onto the o2 sensor loom, as well as through the forward of the 2 rectangular inspection ports. From here it migrates onto the trans cooler hardline.
Its infuriating as I believe the only way forward is to remove the transmission.
No external leaks on or around the bellhousing..
Im out of ideas
^^^ Locations of where the fluid collects and drips (lambda harness) Area inside the bellhousing where fluid collects
I had a weird one. Trans was leaking and I looked everywhere. Seemed to be coming from the 13 pin connector. Decided to go ahead and change that and the conductor plate. Discovered that the previous owner had changed the connector and left an o ring in the housing for the connector. So he had doubled up the o rings which wouldn’t allow it to seal.
That is text book rear main seal. Transmission needs to come off. May as well replace the input shaft seal while you're at it.
It's not a hard job - but you really need a hoist and a transmission jack to make life easy.
Yep, rear main.
I was thrown by the smell of the oil, I swore it was ATF. I used a bore scope and couldn't find any evidence of leaks from the transmission side of the bell housing. Trans pump, input shaft seal area dry and as clean as it was when it rolled off the line.
Pic is crap but shows oil below the main seal, no way any atf can get there. To dbl check I used a dipstick to get a sample of engine oil. Straight out of the sump it smells like engine oil. I had a hunch and left the dipstick out overnight. Next day, sure enough it smelled the same as the mystery leak. I need to buy a proper bore scope..
Easy fix so no worry's with that. Order everything from FCP Euro and buy a replacement rear main cover to make it easyer for you and cover all your bases while in there.
Easy fix so no worry's with that. Order everything from FCP Euro and buy a replacement rear main cover to make it easier for you and cover all your bases while in there.
Yeah, I was freaking out a bit thinking it was the transmission spewing out fluid. I have to do the rear main seal on my 2003 Audi RS6 and am dreading that job.
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