2000 Ram 1500 Intermittent Transmission leak

[sbcb62]

I'm working on a 2000 Ram 1500, 5.2L (318 cid) Auto trans 4x4

Has a huge intermittent tranny leak. When it's warm (after running for several hours) will dump most of the fluid within a couple minutes. Looks like it's coming from the front pump.

The front pump seal was replaced and the torque converter doesn't appear to be gouged, cracked or scored near the seal.

I drilled out the anti drainback valve in the cooler line and backflushed the rad/cooler and it's still doing it.

Any ideas???

[Chris Stewart]

Did you replace the front pump bushing? The tolerances must be in spec or the seal will not hold.

Here's a downloadable 2001 service manual.
The download is kinda slow but worth the wait.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/42304/2001DodgeRam.pdf

[sbcb62]

Thanks for the manual, that's awesome.

Would that cause the intermittent leak though? I've run this thing on the hoist for literally 3 hours and it's dry as a bone. three days later the thing blows out 2 or 3 quarts, we fill it up and it's good to go again...

[Chris Stewart]

You know when one gets that vibration in the seat and floorboard that comes & goes every second? That's the worn front bushing or input shaft bearing/bushing. It would be a failing front wheel bearing if you felt it in the steering wheel too.
I'm gonna guess if it's not in a resonant vibration mode, maybe it won't leak but I'm certainly not a transmission Pro.

[sbcb62]

OK, I get it... Makes sense, thanks again.