Why Is Transmission Fluid Leaking From Bell Housing, In Front & Flywheel?

Last updated on January 31st, 2023 at 06:48 am

Having a transmission fluid leak isn’t what you should take lightly. Having a small leak can even be a sign of bigger internal issues in the engine. Sometimes, these issues can even be a minor one.

However, it’s vital to notice it early enough and deal with it by repairing it before you have major transmission damage. Having a tiny fluid leak could lead you to have complete transmission damage or Problems when you ignore it.

When you don’t have plenty of fluid running on your engine system, components will lose important lubrication, which will result from issues inside the transmission. One thing you should be concerned about is what causes the transmission fluid to be leaking in the first place. This and more are what I will be sharing with you in today’s article. See this post on How to Change Chevy Silverado Transmission Fluid yourself at home.

Dodge Ram Transmission Leak Bell Housing

If you notice a transmission leak in your Dodge ram, it should be fixed immediately. To do this, the transmission must be removed and then pull out the torque converter by pulling and spinning it counterclockwise.

Your seal must be removed and a new one installed. But ensure it goes in straight. Note that after you must have taken the converter out, and you noticed the gasket in the front pump isn’t leaking, you must reinstall it. This converter can go back by you pushing and turning it clockwise.

Remove the overdrive unit and service it separately. Note that the entire transmission assembly doesn’t need to be removed when performing overdrive unit repairs.

Why Is My Transmission Leaking From The Front?

If you’re wondering why your transmission is leaking from the front, then below are likely the cause.

1. Valves and Solenoids

There are valves and solenoids in the transmission system which keeps the flow of fluid controlled whenever your car is running. When these valve/solenoid parts become damaged or faulty, it can result in a transmission fluid leak.

2. Seals and Other Gaskets

You will notice that there are lots of seals and gaskets throughout the transmission system, including the front input seal and engine seal. As years go by, the rubber may fail to cause a transmission fluid leak.

3. Misalignment

In the transmission system, there could be two components that are misaligned. While driving, components may shift or a part wasn’t correctly fixed in your previous repair. This could lead to a transmission leak.

4. Transmission Lines

In every transmission, you’ll find lots of hose and lines that run between the various components which provide a constant flow of fluid via the system. Sometimes you’ll notice that they have been connected badly, and this could lead to leaks.

5. The Transmission Pan Gasket

A misaligned or failing transmission pan gasket could be the reason for a transmission fluid leak. The duty is to offer a seal between the bell housing and the transmission pan.

What Causes Transmission Fluid Leaking From Flywheel Cover

Wondering what causes transmission fluid leaking from flywheel cover? Note that whenever you have low fluid levels or leak, transmission performance can be affected and can damage important components. Below are four causes of transmission leaks.

v Transmission Pan or Drain Plug

There is the possibility that your transmission pan will one day experience some wear and tear as you use it. Meaning as you drive, the transmission pan is susceptible to damage due to loose rocks and debris on the road.

Once your pan gets a little puncture, then a leak will occur. But your transmission can lose fluid quickly once there’s a big rock or other object damages the pan. While a little hole or puncture will take a longer time for you to notice.

v Seals

In case you don’t know, your car transmission comes with lots of seals that are designed from either rubber or metal. Note that the underneath of your automobile’s hood gets hot most times and the heat in there can affect the seals.

v Lines

This is like your brake or coolant lines, your car transmission fluid travels via its transmission lines to different parts in your transmission. Note that these lines are designed using steel or aluminum. Also, these lines are designed to last long. However, due to heat and age, they get cracked. When this happens, the transmission fluid will leak instead of circulating via the transmission.

v Torque Converter Leakage

The torque converter is what propels transmission fluid into the whole system. Once there’s a little crack on the body of this torque pump or the needle bearings are damaged, it will leak transmission fluid. To fix this, your car should be taken to the mechanic for replacement.

If A Vehicle Is Leaking Fluid From The Transmission Bell Housing Which Is The Most Likely Cause?

In case you’ve observed transmission fluid leak via the bell housing of your car, then it’s likely you’ve got a leak. But you might be wondering, which is the most likely cause? Below is the most common areas transmission leak come from?

  • The transmission fluid pump seal
  • The torque converter
  • Transmission cooler lines
  • Bearing retainer plate

What To Do If All My Transmission Fluid Leaked Out While Driving

When you notice fluid leaking from the bell housing of your transmission, it simply means you’ve got a leak in your transmission. But what if this happens while you’re driving, what will you do? When this happens, your car will most likely not accelerate.

Here is what to do:

  • Your car emergency lights should be turned on and pullover
  • Once your car completely stops, put it in the park position and shot it off
  • Then immediately call a towing service

Why Is 46RE Leaking From Bell Housing?

Whenever you observe 46RE leaking from the bell housing of your Dodge transmission, it simply means there’s an issue. This is a pump, and when the pump develops a crack, there will be a leak from the bell housing.

Sometimes, it could be the needle bearings that you’ll find inside the torque converter that’s damaged. This too has the possibility of causing 46RE leaking from the bell housing of your car.

How To Fix A Ford E-250 Transmission Leak

In case you notice your Ford E-250 transmission is leaking directly from the transmission pan, then I want to assure you that it’s safe to drive. However, you still need to fix it immediately. This is because having lots of transmission fluid leaking from your ford E-250 can be dangerous.

Having a little leak from the ford E-250 can become an issue later. You must get the issue fixed immediately. Here is how to fix it:

v Get the Fluid Lines replaced

In case you don’t know, transmission fluid is distributed at a higher pressure. This means that you’re going to require a rubber hose to withstand both the high pressure and temperature.

When you have a leaking transmission line, I advise you to replace the entire line. But in case this leak is from a pressurized cooler line, then there’s no option but to replace the entire line.

However, ensure that the little rubber O-rings are correctly seated well before you screw in the fittings. If you don’t ensure this, you will likely have another leak.

v Get The Gasket Replaced

Getting the transmission pan gasket replaced is probably one of the easiest leaks to fix. Once you remove the pan and get the fluid drained, ensure you clean off the remnants old gasket, and a new one should be installed. I also advise you get a new transmission filter installed while you’re at it.

v Get The Pan Changed

Get the Pan changed if you notice your transmission pan is damaged. Buy a new one from an auto spare parts store, or a dealer. Though you will save more if you buy a used one at a salvage yard. The installation is very simple, just remove the old one and bolt the new one in place.

v A New Seals Should Be Installed

In case you observe you have a damaged transmission seal, replacing it is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is remove the remnants of the old seal, and get the new one installed.

However, you must ensure that the new seal is properly seated. If you don’t ensure this, you’ll end up having everything components removed and fix the problem again.

v Get A New Drain Plugs or Pan Bolts Installed

Having worn-out/loose pan bolts or drain plugs can cause a transmission leak. In case you find a loose plug or fastener, you may be asking why it came unscrewed in the first place. Could it be due to excessive vibration from rough roads, or could it be loose/misaligned components?

If you want to find out, a new bolt should be installed. But be careful not to damage/crush the gasket. In case this issue returns, then examine the transmission mounts, or the driveshaft alignment.

Conclusion

The truth is that whenever you observe a transmission fluid leak under your vehicle, make sure you don’t ignore it. Getting a faulty seal replaced is much cheaper than replacing or rebuilding the entire transmission system. Please you shouldn’t risk it.

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