Fluid Leak Diagnosis and Repair

Fluid Leak Diagnosis and Repair

The cause of most external leaks can generally be located and repaired with the transaxle in the vehicle.

Methods for Locating Leaks

General Method

1. Verify that the leak is transaxle fluid.
2. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 25 km (15 miles) or until the transaxle reaches normal operating temperature 88 °C (190 °F).
4. Park the vehicle over clean paper or cardboard.
5. Turn the engine OFF and look for fluid spots on the paper.
6. Make the necessary repairs to correct the leak.

Powder Method

1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area.
2. Apply an aerosol type powder (foot powder) to the suspected leak area.
3. Drive the vehicle for approximately 25 km (15 miles) or until the transaxle reaches normal operating temperature 88 °C (190 °F).
4. Turn the engine OFF.
5. Inspect the suspected leak area and trace the leak path through the powder to find the source of the leak.
6. Make the necessary repairs.

Dye and Black Light Method

1. Add dye to the transaxle though the transaxle fluid filler plug. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the amount of dye to be used.
2. Use the black light to find the fluid leak.
3. Make the necessary repairs.

Repairing the Fluid Leak

Once the leak point is found the source of the leak must be determined. The following list describes the potential causes for the leak:
^ Fasteners are not torqued to specification.
^ Fastener threads and fastener holes are dirty or corroded.
^ Gaskets, seals or sleeves are misarranged, damaged or worn.
^ Damaged, warped or scratched seal bore or gasket surface.
^ Loose or worn bearing causing excess seal or sleeve wears.
^ Case or component porosity.
^ Fluid level is too high.
^ Plugged vent or damaged vent tube.
^ Water or coolant in fluid.
^ Fluid drain back holes plugged.