2005 Explorer Auto 4wd leaking around bellhousing

[robc]

I have a 2005 Explorer 4.0 V6 with automatic 4wd with 70,000 miles that is leaking trans fluid up near where the trans bellhousing attaches to the motor. The trans fluid is all over the edge of the engine oil pan and bell housing where they come together and dripping from there. Is this the seal at the shaft/cat. converter? (sorry don't have the terminology)
Also.....I noticed the fluid in the driveway, and a day later the O/D light started blinking and the "check transmission" display came on. The error lights are intermittent.

Is this a major job? What should I expect to pay for this repair at a trans shop? Anybody else have this happen?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The front seals are more of a problem on the older transmissions. You might have fluid leaking out of the overfill on the top. Check the fluid level, and see what codes are stored.

 

[robc]

Thanks for the quick reply. The trans has not been serviced. No fluid was added. Why would it overflow? However, it did start after i returned from a 4 hour trip pulling a 2 place jetski trailer with truck loaded with gear. I returned saturday and it has leaked in the driveway since.
What trans model is it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec2005.htm

 

[robc]

Thanks for spec info.

 

[robc]

Truck in shop. The codes read that there is a high control pressure situation which is a default (limp) mode the computer runs when there is a problem so the truck still shifts. They had to drop pan to investigate soleniod. Dropped pan and found metal shavings on magnet. Will have to remove trans and inspect damage. Cost could range from $1,600 and up. Shop is member of the ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association)

I had a 97 mountaineer awd with 150,000 miles... no problems.

Not going to bash Ford just yet, bought this truck with 49,000 miles on it , now has 70,000. Could have been abused by previous owner, not sure. Very disappointed.

 

[bmac2985]

I have the exact problem, came home from a vacation with a fully loaded truck (with topper, coolers, kids, luggage) and found an oil spot (tranny fluid) on the driveway this morning.

Wondering your outcome with the shop?

I have an 03 Explorer with 119,000 miles on it and its run pretty much flawless. This is its first leak. And as for check the fluid, I was stumped when I couldnt find the dipstick...until I read in the owners manual there isn't one.

Gonna take it to Ford in the next week or so...just kinda need a heads up of what to expect.

bmac

 

[robc]

They have the trans out and on the bench. They are suppose to have an answer for me today on the extend of the damage/repair. I'll post what they find.

 

[jrford]

sorry to hear. Similar problem but i lost 3rd gear. Had mine rebuilt for $1600 on at 60k too. On mine the snap ring broke and damaged one of the planetary gears. The guy i took it too never changes his quotes so after it was tore down he discovered the real problem, so someone else in that situation might want a little more. I've seen prices from 1600-2400, dealer quoted me 3200 for a reman.

Best part after the rebuild its drives better then new imo.

 

[bmac2985]

Taken a while to get the truck in the shop the leak was so minor. But ultimately they said it looks like the transmission leak came from the vent tube??? Thats according to the dealer...And, the guy says to me, "When you filled the tranny, you must've overfilled it." Really? I said. Funny, but your shop was the last people to service it a little more than a year ago.

Obviously I got nowhere on this but I did get a trans service and now no more leak.

Brian

 

[robc]

I was not so lucky. The final verdict; bronze bushings in the overdrive gearing broke apart damaging the trans. The small pieces of the bushing also contaminated the rest of the transmission. Total rebuild at $2,300. Not Happy. But what could I do.

 

[bmac2985]

Ouch, $2300 does hurt. I think my truck is getting to the point now of nickle and diming me to death, because now the water temp guage spikes to the H in the morning when I first get driving then goes to it's normal position within a minute or two. Funny thing is it doesn't move from the normal temp again after it spikes. I'm thinking some sensor is going bad.

Hope your rebuild goes well, should outlast the vehicle now.