A6Gary

The auto trans in my '96 A6 has a minor leak in the area immediately above the cats, at the very rear of the trans (the area above the transmission pan). It doesn't appear to be a bad pan gasket nor any leak in the power steering rack dribbling down the firewall. The car has slightly more than 44K pampered miles, and runs/shifts no differently than the day I bought it nearly new. The trans was serviced last August (fluid change) IAW the maintenance schedule. I have done a search on the forum, but have only found threads on quattro versions (e.g., rear transmission shaft seal) or power steering rack leaks.

Before I dismantle the cats/exhaust or haul it to the shop, I thought I would solicit suggestions on the forum. The Bentley Repair manual doesn't provide much guidance in the area either. Has any body w/ a FWD version of the 2.8L automatic had a similar problem? Thanks.

Mr. fix-it

Normally it seems to come from on of the lines to the tranny. Mine has been that way for four years and I have never fixed it. It always appears wet but it never drips and I don't loose any fluid so I have just left it alone.

A6Gary

that appears to be the source is the shift lever shaft seal. Have you ever had one on these transmissions out of the car & noticed any fluid around that shaft? Without dropping the cats/exhaust system, I really can't inspect that area. But judging from the dirt/grime buildup (i.e., a long time w/ a very small amount of fluid), it would appear that the amount of fluid is very minor and does not readily leak additional fluid. Might just become a regular annual maintenance item to clean away the grime and live with it.

Wagonmann

Jim
'97 A6qw

A6Gary

BTDT?

Wagonmann

Been There, Done That!

A6Gary

Thanks. What did you have to do to your tranny @ 55k miles?

hotair

Does it drip onto the cat and give a burn smell?

Have you tried changing/checking the final drive fluid?