Hi all, new here and semi new owner of a 1988 firebird. I seem to have a very slight transmission fluid leak which is dripping onto the ground from somewhere near the catalytic converter. I replaced my rear transmission output shaft seal which my dad thought the problem was originally, then had my transmission fluid and filter fully replaced and the mechanic said my pan gasket was leaking so thats fixed now. But its still leaking from somewhere and is dripping off of a bracket near my catalytic converter. What could possibly be leaking around there?!

The part I circled is around where its dripping from. Picture was taken back in June and I've since gotten underneath and wiped off a bunch of built up oil/grime to better see where the leak was coming from, which is when I saw a fresh drip forming on that bracket.

 

Hi tinyreese, welcome to TGO

From what I see, and the area you say the fluid is dripping from, it's highly likely that your transmission's tailshaft seal where the driveshaft yoke slides in is the culprit. Of course, it's so slimy under there that it's hard to tell from the pic, perhaps a bit of a cleanup under there will reveal where it's coming from.

 

Thank you! I have cleaned up underneath since this picture, and the seal you mention is the one I already replaced I believe. Havent had a chance to get it up on ramps since I cleaned underneath, but I will soon so I can get a better look and new pictures.

 

More likely it's the fill tube seal, at the front right corner of the pan area, but just above the pan. That's the usual place. Then it simply blows back and lands on that exhaust hanger along with everything else. That's particularly likely to be the cause if it leaks while sitting still: the fluid level, if properly full, is above that seal when the engine is not running, but goes below it when it is; such that it leaks much worse when sitting than when driving. But of course there's already fluid all over everything when you start it up and take off, so everything behind there gets coated.

A trip to the quarter car wash with acoupla cans of engine degreaser, a jack, and some jack stands would be helpful. Then you could actually SEE what you're doing, instead of having to wallow around in 10,000 years of funk all over everything.

 

Ah awesome thank you for the insight! I've been wanting to properly clean the underside but I really wasnt sure how or where I could do it. That sounds like a solid plan!

 

Tinyreese, any update for us all? Inquiring minds want to know, especially this one who owns a trans fluid leaking 88 GTA. Mine only leaks after it has been driven, then leaks for 30 minutes, then stops.

 

No update yet, sorry! Gonna look into dealing with it tomorrow most likely!