Redfire 03

Car is a '02 SS 6-spd.
Symptoms are: light smoke coming from what looks to be at the end of the transmission close to where the driveshaft goes in, ONLY smokes/leaks when I go WOT! If i'm cruising normally the car is fine, it's only when I get on it that it does this. It will leak for a few minutes and then once I let the car sit it runs fine no leak. The fluid coming appears to be transmission fluid but i'm not 100% positive. Can't think of anything else that can be leaking from that area. The problem i'm having is why does it only do this under WOT and not all the time? What can it be?

Second question: How do I check the trans fluid level? And where do it fill it if needed? Thanks for the help.

thesource

iTrader: (60)

There is a fill plug on the side of transmission about half way up on the driver side. You can stick your finger in there to feel the fluid level. If its low, add some fluid until it drips out.

As for the rear leak, its possible the rear seal and bushing need to be replaced. Have you done any recent mods to the car with the trans,driveshaft or differential?

Redfire 03

Well the trans was taken out a few months ago when the previous owner had the new McLeod clutch and rear-end put in. I'm positive none of the seals were replaced though.

When you say "feel the fluid level", how exactly can I tell if it's normal or low by feel? Sorry but i've never checked fluid on a manual before.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

When you remove the plug, the fluid should basically be right up to the bottom of the fill opening hole.

thesource

iTrader: (60)

This is what I was looking for. What type of rear end is in the car now?

Redfire 03

Yeah that's what I pretty much figured he meant. I'm getting ready to go check it out right now and if it's low which i'm pretty positive it will be i'll just add some ATF from the top (shifter).

It's still a 10-bolt but the previous owner had it upgraded with Locker, Girdle & Hardened axles.

thesource

iTrader: (60)

Ok, well then the driveshaft should be ok length wise.

Redfire 03

Alrighty, replaced the seal, drained old fluid...refilled the trans w/ 2 quarts of ATF. No more leak!



Unfortunately now my A/C condenser has a hole in it, so no A/C and it's heating up to triple digits outside. Oh well, just another day in the life of an F-body owner.

mondi2002

iTrader: (11)

You are 2 quarts low! The T56 takes 4 quarts. Hope you did not drive it long like that.

slowpoke96z28

iTrader: (2)

any updates? did just the seal fix it or did you have to do a bushing too?

Redfire 03

Yep, put a new seal on and no more leaks. Unfortunately though, about a month later the tranny took a crap. 3-4 synchro went out so I said F'it and bought an upgraded unit from Rockland Standard Gear. Learned about 90% of all there is to know about T-56's in the process. LOL