Transmission fluid leak...where to look?

[joeyd71]

Hey all. Just got done with a 4 hour trip on the interstate in the snow and ice....not too much fun. Anyways, when I parked I noticed a few drips of transmission fluid under the car. I checked the fluid level and it seems fine. Since I don't expect you guys to help diagnose the problem from what I've said, all I want to know is if there are any known issues with transmission fluid and cold weather. It's been in the low to mid 20's here the past few days.

Thanks

 

[Turdle]

See if it is dripping down the aux cooler lines. The clamps might be a little loose allowing it to leak.

 

[lounge lizard]

what Turdle said!

I just checked mine when I put the frame cover back on after replacing my radiator. and the hoses are wet but they are not leaking anymore.

 

[joeyd71]

See if it is dripping down the aux cooler lines. The clamps might be a little loose allowing it to leak.

affirmative! will do that tomorrow. i noticed the fluid on one of the bars connecting the two front wheels. (i know it has a name, but it's late...i'm tired....and delirious) Hard to tell what is what though between ice and fluid. Whatever it is, it better be an easy fix because it has to make the same trip again on monday.

 

[joeyd71]

Just dawned on me- could very well be power steering. When I started my journey home yesterday before all of this, I made a sharp turn and heard what sounded like a rubbing sound. I figured it was just because the engine and car hadn't warmed up yet.

UPDATE:
Just got done checking power steering fluid reservoir- completely empty. Think I found the problem? I think so. Think I should check the clamps off the bat?

ANOTHER UPDATE:
*sighs*......what a mess.
Power steering pressure line has a teeny tiny hole in it- enough to pump out fluid when under pressure. Ford parts want $243 for it, Advanced Auto Parts wants $18.....why do I get the feeling that when I go to pick it up tomorrow at AAP, it's not going to be what they tell me....
For the purpose of good story telling, I should let everybody know that it is 18 degrees out and all the snow and ice and mud that was caked on my car from the journey is dripping on me/my eyes/my ears. Things like this never break when it's decent out, does it?

 

[drdoom]

I don't know, but I got a Rack to Cooler line there, and it was about that price, it has been fine for about 25K.

 

[joeyd71]

I don't know, but I got a Rack to Cooler line there, and it was about that price, it has been fine for about 25K.

I'm not knocking the quality at all....just whether or not they interpreted correctly which part I need. Have yet to actually see it in person to match it up.

 

[lounge lizard]

Just dawned on me- could very well be power steering. When I started my journey home yesterday before all of this, I made a sharp turn and heard what sounded like a rubbing sound. I figured it was just because the engine and car hadn't warmed up yet.

UPDATE:
Just got done checking power steering fluid reservoir- completely empty. Think I found the problem? I think so. Think I should check the clamps off the bat?

ANOTHER UPDATE:
*sighs*......what a mess.
Power steering pressure line has a teeny tiny hole in it- enough to pump out fluid when under pressure. Ford parts want $243 for it, Advanced Auto Parts wants $18.....why do I get the feeling that when I go to pick it up tomorrow at AAP, it's not going to be what they tell me....
For the purpose of good story telling, I should let everybody know that it is 18 degrees out and all the snow and ice and mud that was caked on my car from the journey is dripping on me/my eyes/my ears. Things like this never break when it's decent out, does it?

Dude!
that is the perfect weather for working on the truck. it is a truck right?


I just put a radiator in my truck last week in 20 degree weather, the only thing that would have made it perfect would have been snow or freezing rain.

we are getting that now!

 

[joeyd71]

FINAL UPDATE:
Fixed! It was the pressure line going from the power steering pump down to the rack. Picked up the park from Advanced Auto Parts. Wasn't exactly what the stock one was, had a few different bends. Had to use a pipe bender to modify it a little bit because it was running into a pulley. And let me say that it was a ***** to work on. Such a small area to work and my sausage fingers did not like that one bit. Thanks to all who commented.

 

[italianbigsky]

Glad to know you fixed the problem.
I discovered there was a power steering leak almost the same way you did, too bad I had a transmission leak too.
Anyway, I never thought about power steering, the fluid color was almost the same and the wet spot on the ground didn't help too much.
I fixed it (the garage man), water pump too, and fuel leak. The job is not done yet, tranny needs a lot of work (and money).