Why does my transmission pan gasket keep leaking?

Why does my transmission pan gasket keep leaking?

Be Kind to Your Transmission Pan Gasket! I have seen so many leaking transmission pan gaskets due to abusive installation – I just have to say something. I saw it again today in my shop – so my rant seems even more appropriate. Take a close look at this picture. Can you see what is wrong with the gasket?

Is it possible for a transmission pan to come loose?

Pan gaskets do not shrink and pan bolts rarely come loose. This is why we see very few transmission pans leaking on vehicles that someone has not serviced. Over tightening the pan bolts will only damage the gasket or worse, strip the bolt threads. Manufacturers use several methods to seal the pan on their transmissions.

When to buy a new gasket for a pan?

Sometimes buying a new pan is the only way to solve a persistent leak problem. When installing the pan with a new gasket, progressively and CAREFULLY tighten all the bolts until the taps just come in contact with the transmission housing (see image below).

What should I use to seal my transmission pan?

Any RTV, which squeezes out, may clog passageways in the transmission and cause problems. Most other gaskets are cork-type material or a paper/fiber material. These gaskets should be flat and never creased. If the packager folds them into a tight crease, the gasket may not seal the pan properly.

Can a transmission pan gasket leak during installation?

Following the information provided below during your new transmission pan gasket installation should ensure that you do not experience a premature transmission pan gasket leak.

Pan gaskets do not shrink and pan bolts rarely come loose. This is why we see very few transmission pans leaking on vehicles that someone has not serviced. Over tightening the pan bolts will only damage the gasket or worse, strip the bolt threads. Manufacturers use several methods to seal the pan on their transmissions.

Any RTV, which squeezes out, may clog passageways in the transmission and cause problems. Most other gaskets are cork-type material or a paper/fiber material. These gaskets should be flat and never creased. If the packager folds them into a tight crease, the gasket may not seal the pan properly.

Can a transmission gasket be creased or flat?

These gaskets should be flat and never creased. If the packager folds them into a tight crease, the gasket may not seal the pan properly. Quality vendors package their transmission-pan gaskets to remain flat. As with the other types, we first clean the pan and transmission and install the gaskets with no sealer.