Transmission Repair – Can You Fix a Fluid Leak Yourself?

A fluid leak transmission repair could be necessary if you car has been on the road for a long time. In vehicles registering 75,000 miles or more, the likelihood of crack formations in the seals surrounding the transmission is much more common.

Once the cracks have formed, transmission repair is almost inevitable. The fluid inside will begin to run out onto the pavement. After a period of time, the car will begin to malfunction, causing additional issues with the vehicle. Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem on your own. In this article, we will walk you through the process involved in a DIY fluid leak transmission repair.

Step 1 – Make sure you actually have a leak. In most cases, the most obvious signal will be a small puddle of fluid directly underneath the vehicle. To check, run the vehicle until the engine is warm and park it in a flat and even surface. If you do have an issue, the fluid will leak onto the pavement from either the back or front of the seal locations. In most vehicles, the system is located near the front of the vehicle. If you are standing outside of the driver’s side door and look below the vehicle, you will likely notice the fluid leaking onto the ground. The liquid is typically a reddish-brown color, the shade depends on the type of vehicle you own. If you have any questions as to the correct color of your fluid, be sure to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Step 2 – Figure out just how serious the issue is. The amount of liquid you are losing will ultimately determine the correct course of action for your transmission repair. If you notice a minor leak, consisting of a few drops here and there, a quick fix is available in step 3. If you happen to find a major leak, you can try various store-bought agents to rectify the issue, but over time you are likely looking at a trip to your local mechanic to have the vehicle serviced.

Step 3 - If you have a minor leak, there are a variety of products on the market to help you address the issue. Head on down to your local auto parts shop and purchase a quality brand of leak stopper. Make sure that the product you purchase is acceptable to use on your vehicle.

Once you’ve purchased your magical fixing agent, you will need to add the contents to the engine. Start by locating the fluid dipstick beneath the vehicle’s hood. Pour the bottle directly into the tube. If you have issues with a straight pour, you may consider using a funnel to ensure that all of the fluid makes it in. The substance is quite thick, reminiscent to maple syrup. You’ll want to add just enough fluid to replace the fluid that has been lost. If you’re unsure of how much to add, consult with your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out how much fluid is needed to fill the tank. Once you have the number, check the dipstick and add the correct amount. Keep checking as you go along to ensure you’ve added the proper amount.