Tyres
 

Thank you to everyone at the JAE who pointed out that my tyres were looking a little worn at the edges. I went out this morning and bought two new Falken ZE512's. I've been using these for a few years now and they are a really good tyres. The best part is they are only £55 each fitted.

This afternoon I plan to change my transmission fluid because it's been about 18 months since it was last changed and it's starting to smell burnt.

Phil.

I changed the fluid and the gearbox now seems to be shifting more smoothly (maybe it's my imagination). But when I got to work this morning there were clouds of smoke coming from under the car. There is transmission fluid leaking from the front nearside of the gearbox and dripping onto the cat. My first guess is that maybe I overfilled it slightly, I'll have to investigate further tonight. Any suggestions?

Other than checking the level, can you tell exactly where the leak originated?

It could have came from a breather hose but it could also be from the steering system or one of the transmission lines.

Phil,

Did you get everything tight after changing the oil? Did you remove the pan or just the drain plug?

Sometimes the PS fluid will leak on the pipes. Funny that should happen the day after a trans oil change.

Phil,

You should change all four tyres to reduce any chance of harming the trans. It is worth it in the long run.

Thanks for the response.

It's oozing out from the seal where the front pipe joins the gearbox. I drained out a cupfull of fluid and now doesn't leak at idle. But it is still leaking when driven.

I find the trans dipstick useless, it always has fluid smeared along the whole length - impossible to read the level. I always try to measure the amount that I drain out and put approximately the same amount back in. It normally takes about 5 litres (which means there is another 4L of dirty fluid still in the trans somewhere!). I might drain a little more out and if that doesn't work then I'll change the seal.

Phil.

Yes. I only removed the drain plug and I tightened it enough to hold it but not enough to strip it. The PS pipes are on the right side of the car the leak is on the left side. I can see the oil coming out from where the front pipe joins the transmission. I think I overfilled it slightly and the pressure caused it to leak past the seal. I'm just wondering now whether the seal needs to be replaced or not.

On the exploded diagram, there seems to be some sort of spring and ball valve surrounded by a couple of fibre washers. It looks pretty simple to change the washers.

I've heard that Ron, but the front ones normally wear out quicker than the back ones. Maybe it's the way I drive ;) The tyre guy said I've only got about 500 miles left on the back ones. I'm just waiting for next pay day, I won't be doing many miles between now and then.

Phil.

Congrats and heed the 4 Faklken advise-they are on 3 of our 6 cars now and THE current bargain in the tyre domain. If they said Michelin on the side-they'd be 90 quid per.

Yeah, I'll be getting a couple more tyres after payday. I'm driving my legacy at the moment anyway.

I found the problem with my leaking trans. The hose for my trans cooler had become kinked and was restricting the flow. :eek: I don't understand how that happened, but I've rerouted the hose now so it can't happen again.

Good job Phil!

I'll be sending you a note later this week.