How do I stop the transmission from leaking brake fluid in a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
My car is leaking brake fluid due to a slave master cylinder failure. I don't have the funds to repair the car but would still like to drive it and was wondering if there was a way to keep the fluid from leaking out. The car shifts fine as long as the brake fluid reservoir is full but once it drains to 3/4 full the transmission will stop shifting.
My car has 160000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. First off, the transmission and brake system are separate and utilize different oils. If you’re leaking oil from the slave master cylinder (which is a clutch component), it’s transmission fluid that might be leaking. If you’ve been told that this has been damaged, there really isn’t a way to stop the leak without fixing the damaged component. You might want to have a mechanic replace your clutch slave cylinder before it completely breaks.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Worn master cylinder seals – Your car`s clutch master cylinder has seals that prevent fluid from leaking out. These seals will degrade over time, which may eventually resulting in them leaking brake fluid from above and around the clutch pedal. Brake fluid is a thin, slippery type fluid.
You can fix it yourself with Bar`s Leaks Transmission Stop Leak Concentrate. This product is specially designed to stop seal and gasket leaks caused by normal transmission wear and age. It even works with ALL domestics and imports, as well as all automatic and manual transmission fluids.
Common signs of a clutch fluid leak are difficulty shifting or grinding noises while shifting, clutch pedal staying close to the floor, and dirty or low clutch fluid. Bar`s Leaks Hydraulic Manual Clutch Fluid with Stop Leak stops small leaks (adding fluid once per month) and medium leaks (adding fluid once per week).
There could be a bad connection or a hole/crack in one of the transmission lines that is causing the leak. The transmission system has valves and solenoids that keep the flow of the fluid controlled when the vehicle is running. A damaged part or faulty valve/solenoid can result in a transmission fluid leak.
Even though the clutch pedal is sturdy, it will still wear off or break at the pivot, pedal arm or your clutch. Driving a car with a faulty clutch can cause further damage to your gearbox, starter motor or shifter. It is important to resolve any damage spotted with your clutch.
Air as cause of malfunction
As far as the hydraulic clutch is concerned, the following symptoms may occur: Change of the pedal travel. Difficulties in disengaging the clutch. Imprecise pedal feel.
Thankfully, this particular problem does not require a major repair. Your technician can repair the transmission leak by replacing the seals to fix the problem.
To do this, move your right foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal and gently depress that pedal until the car comes to a stop. With an automatic transmission, some people brake with the left foot, but you`ll need that foot free to work the clutch pedal.
A transmission leak is dangerous because, when left unchecked, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle and the environment. In fact, some of the most common car problems can be attributed to transmission leaks. Fortunately, fixing a transmission leak is often as simple as tightening a drain plug or loose bolt.
“Oil on your car`s clutch can really ruin your day, especially when you consider that it may cause permanent damage. Unfortunately, oil, coolant or even rainwater can get into your clutch and ruin it beyond a simple drying out or burning off.
Faulty Transmission Pan or Gasket
The fuel pan gasket is the number one culprit if your vehicle`s transmission fluid leaks when your car is parked. Cars with automatic transmissions have a pan gasket designed to catch most fluids leaking from the engine.
The most common source of a transmission leak due to faulty installation is from the transmission pan. The pan is not mounted correctly or incorrect bolts are used to secure it. Something as simple as these bolts will make transmission fluid leak from the pan.
Excessive fluid prohibits proper lubrication and cooling and slows the rotating crankshaft, similar to the effect of running through water. When the air above mixes with the high levels of fluid, it creates a foamy substance that saturates the transmission. This can lead to: Part pitting.
Although there are multiple places on a vehicle where transmission fluid can leak, the 3 most common include: Pan gasket. Cooler lines. Output, tail, or torque converter seal.
Driving with a slipping clutch can lead to dangerous scenarios and cause further damage to your vehicle. Once it starts to slip, your clutch could start degrading rapidly, so don`t leave it as you could end up breaking down or being involved in an accident.
For dissolved air, you can remove it by raising the temperature of the fluid until the air is released. This should only be done if absolutely necessary as hydraulic oil will normally tend to be at least 10% dissolved air.
It`s extremely easy to top up clutch fluid. Simply locate the reservoir near the firewall, remove the cap, and add new, clean fluid from a sealed container. Always match the clutch fluid with the requirements in your owner`s manual.
If the brakes fail in an automatic car, release the throttle immediately and use the engine braking to slow down the vehicle. When the speed comes down, you can use the parking brake to try to stop the car.
If you look at your owner`s manual, it may say that you only need to replace the car`s clutch fluid if your clutch transmission has an issue. However, technicians at Massey Yardley CDJR recommend changing it in some other situations as well. We suggest you change the fluid: Every two years.
Low-quality transmission fluid – or driving without transmission fluid altogether – can cause a number of problems such as transmission failure, gear slipping, a hard time shifting, and a few more issues.
With a sudden breakdown, the clutch ceases to work entirely and the car won`t move. With gradual failure, you may experience problems such as the car not stopping when you press the pedal. Sudden failure is most often caused by a broken or loose clutch cable, linkable or a failed hydraulic master/slave cylinder.
Yes you can. If the clutch malfunctions on a car with manual transmission, it`s not necessary to call a tow truck, you can drive it well enough to get home or to get to a workshop.
In the clutch, a high friction environment is desirable to prevent slippage and poor feel. The same engine oil is used to lubricate the clutch and so friction modifiers can negatively affect the clutch friction in a motorcycle, by reducing it too much and causing the clutch to slip.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
How do I stop the transmission from leaking brake fluid in a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
ANSWER : Hi there. First off, the transmission and brake system are separate and utilize different oils. If you’re leaking oil from the slave master cylinder (which is a clutch component), it’s transmission fluid that might be leaking. If you’ve been told that this has been damaged, there really isn’t a way to stop the leak without fixing the damaged component. You might want to have a mechanic replace your clutch slave cylinder before it completely breaks.
Brakes are failing no fluid leaks at all and brake fluid resevoir still full
ANSWER : An internal seal failure in the master cylinder is possible and that is easily tested for by either blocking off the master cylinder ports and/or using pressure gauges to measure pressure developed within the system upon pedal application. It is possible that the problem is due to present air in the system or a leak that has admitted air on repeated application of the brakes over time. Of course, the system can be thoroughly bled to rule that possibility in or out. If the wheel bearings are loose, that will cause excessive pedal travel. Also, it is possible that a clogged proportioning valve could play a role in this. To answer your question about safety of operation, you are right that in this particular scenario, it is manifestly unsafe and unwise to operate the vehicle until it is repaired. If you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a low brake pedal diagnostic and the responding mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic.
There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
Brake system, coolant leak, brake fluid leak ,wheel hub
ANSWER : All of these repairs are feasible. Brake systems can leak at a variety of points but the repairs are pretty straightforward. What I would suggest is you visit the YourMechanic Internet portal and request brake leak diagnostic and repair service. During that service visit, which is carried out right at your location, the Mechanic will repair the leak and then inspect and estimate all other problems of concern to you and, with your agreement, schedule those repairs, too. Regarding the other repairs, cooling system leaks, especially if in an accessible component such as a radiator, are readily repairable as is the replacement of the hub and rotor. If you schedule the brake leak diagnostic and repair service, the responding certified mechanic will get all this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you. .
Will adding Transmission Fluid with Stop Leak to a transmission with over 230,000 miles hurt it?
ANSWER : Both of these additives are designed to block small leaks or seepage from a gasket or rubber seal an not to fix major leaks or leaks where there will be excessive pressures, such as coolant leaks into the combustion chamber of the cooling system or leaks in high pressure areas of the transmission.
I would not recommend the use of these products unless a manufacturer specified to use them, like how GM did on their earlier models of the modular motors that had coolant leaking through the pores of the engine block from defective castings.
Before adding any of these additives I would recommend having a mechanic check the transmission fluid leak to see what the proper repair should be. These additives can sometimes clog systems and make matters worse in the long run.
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Transmission additive to stop pump seal leak I don’t want to spend $750 on repairs will a transmission stop leak fix it
ANSWER : You can certainly use transmission stop leak, however depending on how bad the leak is or the amount of pressure coming from the leak, this may be only a temporary fix. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at the vehicle.
My car is leaking transmission fluid – I can’t diagnose the leak
ANSWER : Based on the NHTSA database covering consumer complaints, as well as government mandated recalls and factory service bulletins, for your specific year, make and model, I do not see evidence of widespread complaints about transmission fluid leaks. Such leaks are, in fact, common in transmissions made by any car company, particularly if the transmission is older than say 10 years. There is a manual shaft seal, oil pan gasket, output shaft seals, case seals, torque converter seal (inaccessible) and so forth all of which are potential leak points on your transmission.
If you want to identify and resolve these leaks, certainly a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could come out and perform a transmission leak inspection and let you know where the leak points are and what it will cost to resolve them.
