Find the Cause of the Leak
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Pinpoint the leak and trace the leak back to the source. You must determine the cause of the leak in order to repair the leak properly. For example, if you replace a gasket, but the sealing flange is bent, the new gasket will not repair the leak. You must also repair the bent flange. Before you attempt to repair a leak, check for the following conditions, and make repairs as necessary:
Gaskets
- Fluid level/pressure is too high
- Plugged vent or drain-back holes
- Improperly tightened fasteners
- Dirty or damaged threads
- Warped flanges or sealing surface
- Scratches, burrs, or other damage to the sealing surface
- Damaged or worn gasket
- Cracking or porosity of the component
- Improper sealant used, where applicable
- Incorrect gasket
Seals
- Fluid level/pressure is too high
- Plugged vent or drain-back holes
- Damaged seal bore
- Damaged or worn seal
- Improper installation
- Cracks in component
- Manual or output shaft surface is scratched, nicked, or damaged
- Loose or worn bearing causing excess seal wear