Leaky transmission pan

[badappex]

Hi,

I recently discovered a small pool of oil accumulating underneath my 99 camry I4. After closer inspection I see that the back half of the tranny pan seems wet and has oil on it.

is it safe to say my gasket is done? Just got the car that has 62k miles on it. Tranny fluid looks good but considering the age i think its time to change the gasket.

Could it be anything else?

[mikeyq926]

if youre not sure you could try tightening the bolts up a bit and clean the outside of the pan with brake cleaner. check after a week to see if it leaks. if it does... well then replace it

[badappex]

Thanks

I was just checking the fluid level and it seems that maybe too much fluid is in there. The level is passed the Hot dimples on the dipstick but Ive noticed that sometimes fluid lines the dipsticks casing causing this.

interrelated?

[Stillrunning]

I guess? If fluid expanded up the dip stick tube. Trans may have a vent. Drain some fluid out to correct level. I'd also check your axle seals.

[csaxon]

Look down at the transmission weep hole (pressure relief vent). It may be coming from there.

[badappex]

Thanks, will check it out. Where exactly is that weep hole? Hard to tell from the picture/angle.

I tightened the pan's bolts a bit. Seems I could turn them atleast 1/4 turn pretty easy with a ratchet while not denting the pan.

[csaxon]

Drivers side, on top where engine and trans meet.

[davemac2]

There is very little torque on the pan bolts. You are best to use a torque wrench to get them all the same. Otherwise you will overcompress the gasket and have it leak forever. At this point, I would just drop the pan and replace the gasket.

dave mc

[badappex]

Well, I tightened all the bolts evenly (1/2 turn) and the car has not leaked one drop of auto fluid. I'll be changing out the gasket regardless.