Leaking transmission oil

[TXXC]

Hi all,
Sorry if this seems a silly question. I have recently bought a VY 25th Anniversary wagon and it is leaking trans oil from the middle of the car.
The length down the car is around the front door area if this makes sense.
If not, let me know and I will try to clarify.

Anyway, seeing as I don't know much about this car I was hoping to get some advice as to what it may be, I know its hard to tell without seeing the car and if someone knows what it could be, an approximate cost to fix it....

Also, one last question....does anyone know a good mechanic, preferably mobile, who is reasonably priced in the western suburbs of Melbourne ?

Thanks in advance

[Sean880]

Without inspecting the car people will just be guessing.

You need to get it up on the hoist to check it properly and identify the leak source or sources.

If you are lucky it will be a leak from the plumbing or it may be more serious. A small leak can make a mess as the fluid is circulating under pressure.

If you had the car professionally inspected before the recent purchase these kinds of problems would/should be picked up.

If it was my car I would be taking it to an auto transmission specialist workshop that is familiar with Commodores. ( People here can give you details of auto trans workshops in MEL they have used and you can get a list of reputable shops from the RACV).

[TXXC]

Thanks for that Sean.
I did actually say that I know it is hard to diagnose without people seeing the car and I am aware that the best thing to do is to put the car on a hoist and check.
Obviously you can afford to take your car to a workshop ASAP when something is wrong, but I cannot which is why I was hoping for some advice here first, but I guess that isn't to be.
Oh, I see you own a Porsche, which may be why you feel the need to belittle me.

[Tim Smtih]

I had the same issue. Jack the car up and have a look to see if there is any oil around or on the bottom of the trans pan. If so you could try tightening the pan bolts, or you may need to replace the gasket. I had a leak from the rear of the transmission where it joins the driveshaft, in this case there is a bushing that will need to be replaced. I hope it's as simple as that, and if you can find a good mechanic these things shouldn't cost too much to fix.

[VYMAD]

+1 for pan gasket. Although it could also be where the power steering hoses attach to the rack. Have you noticed a fluid level change in the tranny or power steering reservoir?

[TXXC]

Thank you both for replying. I haven't checked the levels, I have only had the car for a month exactly today. The trans oil was on low when I checked it, so I added some. Will check again tomorrow. As for power steering fluid, I didn't think of that. Will check it out too. Will have to get it looked at soon, just a bit hard on one wage and 3 kids!! Husband isn't very car savvy when it comes to mechanicals, so we have to pay to have everything done. Thanks again

[VYMAD]

The pwr steering fluid only sprung to mind because you said that the leak is near the driver's door, which is near the place that the steering lines join the steering rack.
Make sure you check your trans level correctly; The engine/trans must be HOT, as in after a half hour drive. Park on a level surface, leave the engine running with the gear selector in park. Then check your dipstick. If you checked it without it being hot and engine running, then you will have got a false level reading.

[Tim Smtih]

Actually now that you mention it check the steering rack boots, any sign of them leaking and you could be up for a replacement rack.

[TXXC]

Thanks will do that. The joys of buying a second hand car...never know what's going to happen. Should have kept my 1998 Verada I think!! I'm going to call someone tomorrow anyway to come look. See what he says...