Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission Leak

[JamesPhillips]

Hello all. I'm new to the TDR website so I hope I'm posting this correctly. I have a 1996 Ram 2500 2WD extended cab longbed. This truck is very stock with the exception on a K&N air filter. I'm having transmission issues. I just had a reputable Dodge dealership rebuilt my transmission. Since then I've had it back to them 3 times with leaks. The last visit, they told me the problem was a burr on the dipstick piping causing the o-ring to tear then leak. That leak seems to be corrected. The latest leak occurred as I was backing my 5th Wheel travel trailer up my driveway when my wife told me that there was something leaking from underneath my truck. I looked under it and transmission fluid was pouring out of the fitting where the fluid line connects to the bottom of the transmission on the drivers side. It looks like this is some type of compression type fitting like a brake line. If I remove this fitting, is there an o-ring or something like that on the end of this piping that I could replace to repair the leak? I'm hoping this is under warranty from where the transmission was just rebuilt. I would like to understand this connection so I could speak educatedly with the mechanic.

 

[Joe G.]

This is a common failure. The cooling line plastic fittings are no good. In fact, they were recalled because the leak was a fire hazzard. The recall didn't apply to diesels, only gassers. Do a search for cooling line leaks or something like that and you will find a LOT more information than you want. I replaced mine with compression fittings. There are four fittings. Two in the side of the transmission and two in the bottom of the cooler that is under the exhaust manifold. Don't let Dodge just replace the fittings with plastic fittings. That will make you walk some day.

 

[JamesPhillips]

Thanks so much. That makes lots of sense. I'll make sure they don't use plastic at the dealership.

 

[BNH4221]

Hey James,



You might want to spring for the set of lines that go to the cooler and heat exchanger too. They are the two metal lines that I think you are writing about. These are the ones that cross over just in front of the transmission pan.

They rub together and over time will spring a leak. Mine did recently and the transmission fluid was EVERYWHERE. What a pain in the rumpus to get that cleaned up!

As long as you are there... .



Steve

98 QC 12V 4x4

142000 happy miles.