2001 Windstar trans leak -- what should I look for?

[yitzg]

So I took my (recently acquired) 2001 Windstar for its state inspection, and there is transmission fluid all over the underbelly of the van, and some fluid leaking onto the floor. The mechanic says its the front seal and wants a nice chunk of money for the work.

Here are my questions:

1) Is there anything else I should be looking at, besides the front seals? I did some searching and it seems that the "vent tube" is a common failure item.

2) how long can I drive this for before doing the work (assuming I keep on checking the fluid level, which is full right now)?

3) Is there some kind of additive I should try?

4) Anything else?


Thank you!

[garync1]

No dont add a trans leak stop leak.. Just keep a check on the trans fluid. Keep in mine trans fluid exspands when it hits the cement.. Unless it looks likes its leaking bad when its running dont worry just keep an eye on the fluid level. Make sure its the tranny leaking... Also below the air intake is the TRS sensor just before that up closer to the front but you can find it if you locate the TRS sensor is the Tranny solenoid mounted to the trans. There side by side almost.Sometimes they leak. Hope this helps a little..

[rodeo02]

You don't hear of too many transaxle leaks on these vans. Are you positive it the trans and not power steering fluid? They both use ATF. I'd also check the trans cooler lines and PS cooler lines & the pan gasket. If this were an input shaft seal leak on the trans, you may as well drop a reman'd AX4N in it for all the labor involved. Axle seals are another possible leak source, but like the rest, rare.

Joel

[____]

Mine was the low/intermediate servo cover. The top bolt was stripped/loose and it was leaking. Really simple to check, it's a round thing about 1/3 as tall as a soda can on the back of the tranny. Mine would only leak after the engine was shut off... then a few minutes later it would start to ooze.