[Wbg04Accord]

Hi,

I'm a new member and have a 2004 Accord EX with 2.4L engine with 270K miles on it. I've developed an oil leak on driver's side in which drips make it to ground and I've had to add about 1/2 quart of oil since last oil change. I'm pretty confident it's engine oil. It leaks onto the driver side frame beneath transmission/engine and covers the half-shaft axle cylinder coming out of transmission. Can anyone tell me what the likely sources are? I have been under the car and cannot find anything obvious. Rear main seal at transmission? It's not the VTEC solenoid or oil pressure switch....that's on passenger side of engine.

Thanks for any help!

 

[sodaks2k]

I'd guess the rear main seal. Is it an auto or manual? Could be tranny fluid if it's manual.

 

[Wbg04Accord]

It's an automatic. Yes, I wondered if its the rear main seal. Is there any way to confirm or rule-out?

 

[sodaks2k]

AFAIK the only way to know for sure is to take it apart, unless you can get a visual on it.

 

[RickBlaine]

Agreed on the visual. This may get arguments from other members, but when this happens and I am trying to find the leak on a friend's car, I do one of two things:

1) Take it to the dealer for an oil change....they almost always jump on the leak and will tell you what is causing the leak and how much THEY will charge to fix it. Although I have heard of dealers charging money to tell you this- I've just asked for the $30 oil change ($24 with coupon) and they tell me everything that is wrong, incuding upselling me on a $1000 brake job....

2) Use orange degreaser or engine cleaner to remove all the dried oil you can see. Follow "proper" engine wash procedures (no high pressure, cover electrical stuff including the alternator, etc...) and usually within a couple of days you will be able to easily spot the fresh leak. You will have to check it every single day and before/after you drive it in order to find the source/cause of the leak. By cleaning, you can better determine if it is indeed engine oil vs. transmission oil.

You stated you have to add 1/2 quart of oil since your last change but how long/how many miles ago was that? 100 miles? 5,000 miles? If you can, place a cardboard sheet under the car each night to better determine what the fluid is, and where it is at least dripping down from.

 

[HondaTechAV6]

rickblaine...LOL

upsells are where I make my money.

check the valve cover gasket - it likes to leak over the exhaust manifold and on the trans sided of the cover.

check for a loose oil filter. It can spray if loose, in any direction.

if they check out and you can't get the car on a lift to check it out - bring it in. it's easy to diagnose a drip drip drip drip leak.

 

[RickBlaine]

check for a loose oil filter. It can spray if loose, in any direction.

Excellent point....that happened to me once and drove me mad trying to pinpoint it. Almost went for the $1,000 brake job, lol....

 

[Wbg04Accord]

Ok, well I just changed oil and degreased the transmission and chassis. Just drove the car on an errand and inspected leak. It's NOT engine oil as I suspected. I'm confident now that its transmission fluid. I checked it and it was slightly low....was not before. Added xmission 1/3-1/2 quart of Honda ATF fluid. I checked the transmission fluid drain bolt...not leaking from there. I had also already added "Bars Leak" to the engine oil thinking it was my rear main seal.

Two questions: (1) What are likely culprits for transmission fluid leak in 04 Accord with 2.4L and automatic? and (2) Should I change oil and clear out the "Bars Leak" that I just put in without need?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[rszappa1]

My guess is the axle seal and possible carrier bearing going bad causing a play in the axle....

 

[RickBlaine]

Wbg04Accord:
1) You may want to re-post/edit headline to reflect that you now believe it is the transmission that is leaking- you may get more responses....

2) Sorry to ask, but can you take a couple of pictures and post them? This would get a lot better diagnosis from members here.

3) Before I started doing my own maintenance, my dealer did not push in the transmission dipstick all the way in on a drain and fill service, so every now and then some transmission fluid leaked out. Just want to make sure that was NOT the case with your ride.

4) OK, you are certain it is transmission fluid....please keep checking each day and after driving it to see any changes and to ensure the source of the leak is from just one spot.

5) Check to ensure your transmission "add" plug is on there. Most members add transmission fluid to their 4 cylinder automatics using the dipstick tube, but I recall that the transmission actually has a "fill plug" that no one ever uses. I point this out because you are a new member- so I don't know how long you have had the ride. Sometimes mechanics do not remember to put everything back. Just check to ensure the transmission fill plug is seated properly.

6) To answer your questions: As rszappa1 pointed out, it could very well be an axle seal. Two pictures posted here will resolve the issue. Show us the leak! How long does Bar's Leak state you can keep that stuff in an engine?

 

[Wbg04Accord]

Thank you for all your help. I'm re-posting as transmission fluid leak. There appears to be some play in the driveaxles on either side of the transmission. The oil is leaking all around there. Attached are some pictures.

How much play would be expected in driveaxles at the transmission?

What is recommended course of action and cost?

Could I still drive it in short term as long as fluid is maintained?

Thank you!
Dave

 

[rszappa1]

Looks like the same problem I had... carrier bearings are bad. I paid 2600 for a tranny rebuild at a Mr. Transmission shop here in Louisville... I had 191,000 on mine when they started to leak...