Overdrive servo cover blow out and profuse leak

[Frank1516]

My Explorer transmission suddenly started leaking profusely; fortunately this happened few blocks from home. After a close inspection I discovered that what I believe is the overdrive servo cover and retainer ring were partially blown out.
My question is; what caused this and how can I repair it? I am not an expert repairing cars and I am not sure if this is something I can do myself, but at least I would know the problem and the solution if I have to take it to the shop $$$$$$.
99 Explorer, SOHC 4.0 V6, 130,000 miles, Transmission 5R55E

 

[Glacier991]

That is an odd one. But if the snap ring that holds the cover somehow got dislodged, your problem could and would occur.

In car replacing that cover is rather a PITA dues to the location of the CAT. But otherwise the removal of the snap ring and cover, adding a new O-ring and reintalling is not a technically difficult task. While it is out I'd replace the servo... be silly not to, and they cost like $12.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The heat from the calalytic converter dries the servo pistons, and cover O rings. Make sure that you have a heat shield over both servos. Replace both servos at the same time, and do a band adjustment when you are finished.