Dommi3

I have a very slow leak which is apparently transmission fluid. I don't have a belly pan on my car and never have. This is one instance when I think it's a good thing not to have it on there. If I did, I would never be able to notice such a slow leak. I thought by looking at it, that it was likely to be the power steering rack, however, I monitor my power steering fluid closely and it's level has not changed. The smell is of a burning mineral based fluid. Similar to what I've smelled when my final drive seal failed. It's hitting the manifold and smoking a little when the car is running or just after I turn it off. My Mechanic discovered today what he thought it was transmission fluid leaking from some hoses that run in and out of the bottom of the radiator or that vicinity.

If it is transmission fluid that's leaking, it would certainly be consistent with the fact my power steering fluid level isn't changing. It's also consistent with the fact that my transmission seems to be shifting more harshly than ever. I'm assuming a low transmission fluid level would cause such a problem.

Have any of you ever had issues with these hoses leaking and if so, how did you correct it? I'm also curious as to how labor intensive and costly it was to fix?

So, please let me know if any of you have dealt with this in the past? I do have a photo of the leak but I'm not quite certain how to post a picture. I'll try my best, I can also always e-mail the picture to anyone that may be curious and/or may be able to help.

Thanks

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29141/under_a8_leak.jpg

dommi3 Tiburon, California
1997 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Silver/Gray 17" Audi A8 Wheels
Every Available Option
------------------------------------------
Previous Audi

1990 V8 Quattro

skiracer

but it could easily be the transmission lines to the radiator are leaking somewhere. I've never had a problem with these lines, so I won't be much help. However, I would definately get your transmission fluid level checked and filled as necessary. Low fluid can do very bad things to your transmission. Have your mechanic carefully trace the lines to and from the radiator and try to find the exact location of the leak. Good luck and let us know what you find.

AgA8

A while ago I noticed an accumulation of oil in the bottom of my belly pan, and found (somewhat by accident) that the lines going to the transmission oil cooler were loose where they connect to the cooler. They just needed tightening, and everything has been fine since. No idea how or why they were loose. The car has had no work that would have required removal or loosening of those lines.

AgA8

docmusolf

Check the lines to the cooler if they back out you will lose the transmission as I did

PaulW

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29141/under_a8_leak.jpg"></center><p>

Dommi3

Paul:

I'll try to describe it the best I can where the leak is. Being I never had a belly Pan I couldn't tell you where on the pan the leak would be located.

It is in the drivers side of the vehicle, directly in line with the front axle. If you went straight in from the outside of the drivers side wheel/tire you go under the car approximately 3 feet/a yard. I have a picture link that with a small white circle indicating exactly where the most recent mark is based on the way the car is parked right now.

The previous picture that you just helped me post was taken by me laying my camera on the ground directly over the spot pointing it up into the engine compartment and that's what I got. I figured that would be the best way to get a view of exactly where it was coming from or accumulating and needless to say it worked.

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/29141/leak.jpg

Hope this helps.

dommi3 Tiburon, California
1997 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Silver/Gray 17" Audi A8 Wheels
Every Available Option
------------------------------------------
Previous Audi

PaulW

It appears to be red in color....but that doesn't tell you much.

Check the fluid level of both the from diff and the tranny ATF....all on audipages.

Get under the car, wipe everything down, clean it up with brake cleaner....then start the car and see if you can see it weaping out.....if so, pinpoint it. If not, wait a day and check again.

You'll find it.

Dommi3

Paul:

I'll check that out, I agree with you that the fluid does appear to be red. I know that the guy who did my transmission fluid and filter change noticed that the wrong fluid was put into my transmission and that was red. He claimed there was no way to drain the fluid out of the torque converter so that other red fluid will always be in there. He drained it several times and it cost me a fortune in the Audi fluid. It did seem to get more and more clear with each change but regardless, it'll probably never be colored the way it should be because of this.

I'll let you know what happens. Thanks!

dommi3 Tiburon, California
1997 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro
Silver/Gray 17" Audi A8 Wheels
Every Available Option
------------------------------------------
Previous Audi