I had my transmission serviced by the dealer probably a year ago. After a couple months I noticed a leak. I took it back and they said they tighten the bolts up. On my last oil change I noticed it was leaking again, so I got under there and re-torqued the bolts. This weekend I was underneath the car again for other reason and saw its leaking again. I checked the torque and again they needed about a quarter to half turn on the torque wrench (11Nm).

In the service manual in the section dealing with changing the pan gasked, etc., it has a picture depicting the bolt stating that if they are one way they are not usable. I was present when the dealer did the service but did not inspect the bolts.

My questions are, is the reason they say not to reuse the bolts because they won't hold torque?

And second, if I order a complete set of bolts, can I replace the one at a time without affecting the pan/gasket seal? In other words remove one bolt install a new one and torque, then move to the opposite and repeat until they are all replaced?

I'd take it back to the dealer but I just so tired of dealing with stuff like that, its hardly worth the aggrevation.

Here's a picture of the service manual figure, any thoughts?

 

Yes you will probably have no trouble replacing bolts one at a time. The pan usually needs to be tapped with a rubber mallet to break it loose after being on the car for awhile. Seems to me you would have to really over tighten those bolts to bend the washers, IF they are bent the spring tension is gone and they won't stay in unless you over tighten them again! In my experience the gasket would really be smooshed and distorted and sticking out around the edge of the pan if that tight.

 

I looked at my invoice and it was July 03 when it was serviced with a new gasket and filter installed. It was about 6 months later I noticed wetness there and took it back. They said the bolts were loose and retightened. So it hasn't been on there that long. Previously to the best of my knowledge it was the original prior to the service. There was no leaks prior to this. (Figures should have left well enough alone.) Then again in June when I changed oil and now again yesterday.

So that is the reason they say to replace those bolts in that they won't hold torque?

Here's a picture of the leak. It doesn't appear like it was over torqued or the gasket is squished.