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advice for buying a new car

Common Causes Of Transmission Leaks

by Earl Burton

The automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a multipurpose fluid; it lubricates the transmission, cools the transmission, and also helps to transfer power. That is why you should be worried if your ATF is leaking. Here are some of the reasons an ATF may leak:

Damaged Pan

The transmission oil pan acts as a reservoir for the transmission fluid. The transmission pan sits under the car, which means it is susceptible to all manner of damages. For example, it can get knocked and punctured by road debris/obstacles such as rocks. The pan may also get damaged due to corrosion caused by normal wear and tear. All these can cause the transmission pan to start leaking transmission fluid. While this isn't technically a form of damage, there are cases where a mechanic (typically a DIY mechanic) fails to tighten the transmission pan bolts properly after servicing it, leading to ATF leakage.

Damaged Fluid Lines

The transmission lines carry transmission fluid from the transmission to the external cool where it is cooled before being re-circulated. This means damage to the transmission lines may also cause ATF leakage. This may happen, for example, if the transmission is overheated causing the transmission lines to crack. It may also happen if the transmission lines have been punctured by flying road debris.

Damaged Seals

Seals and gaskets are used on different parts of the transmission, especially on joints and connections, to prevent ATF leaks. For example, there is a gasket around the transmission pan to prevent AT from leaking from the reservoir. However, the seals can also get damaged and allow fluid leakage. For example, using low-quality seals may lead to ATF leaks when they deteriorate faster than expected.

Malfunctioning Torque Converter

A torque converter is to an automatic transmission car what a clutch is to a manual transmission car – it allows the engine to run even when the wheels and gears are stopped. The functions of the ATF include cooling and lubricating the transmission system, of which the torque converter is part. This means some of the fluid is always retained in the ATF. Therefore, damage to the torque converter can easily lead to ATF leakage.

Like most things, a small transmission leak may not cause an immediate disaster. However, the problem will get bigger with time and even cause your transmission to fail if you don't plug the leak. Therefore, if you suspect that your transmission is leaking, consult a transmission mechanic as soon as possible to help you fix the damage. For more information, contact companies like Benchmark Motors INC.

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