Common Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks

One of the last things a driver wants to see when they're working on their car is a fluid leak. It's usually a good idea to get it checked out by a mechanic right away to determine how serious the issue is. Here are some common problems that often cause transmission fluid leaks.

Wear and Tear of the Pan Gasket

Regular use of a car or truck makes it more likely that a driver will have problems with their transmission pan gasket. The pan gasket is vulnerable to being cracked by loose rocks and debris that get kicked up onto the car's undercarriage, along with regular damage over time. This is usually a best-case scenario for cars with fluid leaks because this transmission repair is relatively straightforward and inexpensive.

Torque Converter Leakage

Within the torque converter, a hydraulic pump uses pressure to push transmission fluid throughout the whole system. A crack or damage to this pump or its seal will reduce the pressure being applied and allow fluid to leak. Unfortunately, repairing this issue requires significantly more labor than a pan gasket.

Irregular Transmission Maintenance

Unlike engine oil, transmission fluid serves several purposes, including lubricating gears, acting as a coolant, and transferring power from the engine. This fluid will eventually degrade and become contaminated with bits of metal (in manual transmissions). If a car's transmission fluid and filter aren't changed every few years, the fluid won't perform as well, and the debris can damage the bearings and seals, causing a leak. Performing routine transmission maintenance and other upkeep can help avoid these problems.

The truth is, any transmission leak is worth checking out to prevent more serious issues. At Best Transmission, our team prides itself on providing customers with honest, reliable work and fair prices. We stand behind our transmission repairs with a 12-month/unlimited mile warranty, and each technician has decades of experience working on foreign and domestic cars and trucks. If you're in the Jacksonville area and are experiencing issues with your transmission, call our shop today at 904.783.4980.