I was under my new EB Z last weekend snooping around and see a couple of drops of red fluid hanging off the front end of the tranny. I see that there is a small vent hole located at bottom of the bell housing that attaches to the front of the tranny, and this is where the oil is coming from. I also see a sticker on the LH side of the tranny near the fill port that reads "Use Dextron III ATF Only". Obviously, the red fluid I saw was ATF.

So I cleaned it off, hoping it was left over from manufacturing. Went out and drove the car for about 10 miles, and inspected for leakage -- none seen.

Then I drove the car to see my brother, which was about 120 miles round trip. Decided to take another look, and again saw the signs of leakage -- just frickin' great. Obvioulsy, there seems to be some leak problem here. Probably the input shaft seal, or worst case it could be a bad casting or some other bizzar problem. In any case, it's not something I wanted to discover.

So, has anyone else seen any ATF leakage out the small vent hole located at the front/bottom of the tranny? Maybe it's something that will "go away" (ya right) with some more miles?

Is the clutch located just in front of the tranny, or is it located at the rear of the engine. I guess I'm concerned about the clutch possibly getting comtaminated by the ATF if its located at the front of the tranny.

Anyone know if the tranny can be dropped without removing the whole rear subframe/differential etc?

Anyone have any ideas at this point besides letting the dealer tear the crap out of my car with 400 miles on it? -- NOT what I'm looking forward to!

 

I think the clutch is in the back near the tranny. Hib Halverson or C4C5 specialist will know for sure. Also they can probably tell you if this is common or what it may be :confused:. Hope its nothing major :eek:.
P.S. What part of Washington are you from? :cheers:

 

ZEE FREAK -- I'm in the Seattle area.

I don't have the shop manual yet for the car, so I don't know about the clutch location for sure eighter, but I'm with you and expect its just in front of the tranny. I was looking for the hydraulic line, etc for it and couldn't see anything, so I'm still not for sure.

I'm wondering what kind of surgury is required to drop the tranny in a C5? It doesn't look pretty to me :( Of course the dealer will have to do this under warrnaty, but still I like to know whats going on with the required work.

 

From looking at the manual, it looks like the trany, shaft, and rear end have to be dropped as a unit and then worked on. However, I am no c4c5 specialist so he will have to give the definitive answer. :confused:

 

KellyZ06 -- thanks for the info. That's just frickin' great!! -- rip half the car apart at 500 miles. I so happy I bought this POS!

 

You may not want to jump the gun and assume you have a major problem here. Many, many forum members have posted in the past about a minor leak in the tranny / diff. area and all it turned out to be was just overfill from the factory. Before you drive yourself nuts you may just want to wait and see if it cures itself as the overfill works its way out or if your really bothered change the fluid and then monitor. I would'nt worry about it just yet. Just my $.02.


[Modified by Z51 LS1, 4:52 PM 9/24/2001]

 

Z51 LS1 -- I already brought the oil level down to where it should be (bottom of fill hole when car is level), but it looks like it's still seeping. Someone suggested checking all the main bolts on the tranny, since someone had a minor leak and found a loose bolt. I'll give that a try and put some more miles on it to see what happens.



[Modified by Pewter C5, 7:20 PM 9/24/2001]

 

The clutch is in the front. Despite what you think of Chevrolet Service Departments, they have the most experience working on late model Corvettes. A leak should be covered by the warranty. Inquire at local dealers to see who has experience at diagnosis and repair of transmissions leaks, and have them correct it under the manufacturer's warranty.

Seepage out of the vent can occur, esspecially is the car is run at a track or run up to top speed, but not during normal street and highway driving.

Duke

 

Pewter C5
Now you know why I have a brand new gertag 3.73 rear end sitting in a box. In spite of many people who have had one installed without problems, I am affraid to have the work done and subsequent leaks. :eek: But the dealer has to make your leak right, and at least it is not iatrogenic. I have had a number of fast cars and I am usually the one to get the leaks. I had a rear end leak on my brand new 99 convert. Whatever it turns out to be you will feel like walking on air once it is fixed. :cheers: Let us know what happens


[Modified by KellyZ06, 4:30 AM 9/29/2001]

 

I have a transmission leak for the second time. First fix has lasted about a year. On the 6 speed the clutch is up front at the engine. On an automatic the torque convertor is at the back just in from of the transmission. On the 6 speed there is a spacer/adaptor between the trans and the dif. because the 6 speed is shorter than the automatic. Anyway, this spacer was replaced when the leak was fixed because the mechanic said he had them to be prorous. Never quite figured that one out.

Last Feb. I had a 3.73 rear installed along with a new clutch and TTS headers. Pictures are at the following link.

[URL]/ [URL]

 

I had this exact same thing happen on my '02 Z. Happened at about 150 miles. Would only happen on drive conditions. Fluid was coming from vent hole. Has stopped at 400 miles and not done since. I would hold off on doing anything as I feel it's an overfill condition that will take care of itself. Good luck.