Tranny pan Leaking (?)

[Buffalosports]

The other day I was looking under my truck and noticed some tranny fluid all over the pan. At first I thought it was the pan, even though the pan seemed solid. No cracks and it wasn't soft. Today I looked again and it looks as if it is coming out of the bolts. It seems to be the worse towards the front of the pan. I thought it was the wind pushing it back but it seems to be around most bolts. Is it possible that the gasket is shot? I would tighten the bolts but I didn't know if there is a certain amount of preasure that should be added (foot pounds or inch pounds). Here are some pictures.

I do not know what that is hanging down.

 

[Blee1099]

Its more than likely the gasket on the pan. Personally, I'd drop the pan put a new gasket & maybe some rtv and re-tighten the pan bolts to specs. The tube you see hanging down is the vent for it.

 

[wood1]

That is the vent tube hanging down. I would try to tighten the bolts, just snug them up to see if they are loose. When was the last time you changed the fluid and filter? Might be a good time to do it and replace the gasket...

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some gaskets don't require any sealant such as the Permaseal rubber gaskets with the metal inserts. Sealant will cause a leak on these kind of gaskets.

 

[Buffalosports]

I personally never changed the fluid, I am the second owner. I will do this this weekend.

 

[Buffalosports]

Is it a possible rear main seal? But as I said, it goes almost all the way to the back of the pan. There is a large section on the passenger's side which is not wet at all. It then begins again around the bolts in the back (on the pan). I went under there today with a rag and found the "tranny fluid" is actually black. NOT red.

 

[Blee1099]

It could also be your front pinion seal on the D35 IFS. Check to see if there's any fluid around the pinion, reason I ask is because its a common issue.

 

[Buffalosports]

It could also be your front pinion seal on the D35 IFS. Check to see if there's any fluid around the pinion, reason I ask is because its a common issue.

Ill be sure to check. I did not see any other places that where leaking. That is why I am so curous as to what it can be. I thought for sure it was tranny fluid.... then I checked the color. Ill be takin another and much closer look tomarrow evening.

 

[Buffalosports]

I went under there again tonight. My worry came true. A $7 dollar part but hours worth of work. It is the rear main seal leaking. Is there anything I can do to slow down the leak? Like an oil treatment of some sort?

 

[BrooklynBay]

All of these stop leak additives are only good for a temporary fix. You have to drop the transmission to replace the seal.

 

[Rosscup]

you probably have a cork gasket on there (worst thing possible) just switch it out with anything other then a cork one

 

[Buffalosports]

All of these stop leak additives are only good for a temporary fix. You have to drop the transmission to replace the seal.

Yes, I know that. I was just wondering because I need it to get through winter because I want to rebuild the engine but it may need to wait until next spring/summer.