I’m confused. I have a leak in my 2002 LS 430. I’m not sure if it’s the transmission fluid or oil leaking.

One mechanic says it’s the oil pan sealant, event though I replaced it 2 times already in a month. The other says it’s the transmission and engine seal. You can see the fluid or oil is dark yellowish. Makes me think it’s oil.


The mechanic that’s says it’s the transmission fluid is leaking says that the engine and transmission must come down to replace the seal between the engine and transmission. But I think you can just bring the transmission down only.



Anyone know what is leaking?

And can someone the common areas this car leaks? Including TRANSMISSION AND OIL LEAKS

The car has 185k Miles by the way.

 

Looks like motor oil to me. To find the leak get a can or 2 of brake cleaner, wash the area wait for it to dry. Start the engine and watch.

 

The best way to determine where the leak is coming from is to introduce a leak detection dye into either the engine oil or transmission fluid. Then use a UV light and look for the glowing dye. I would put the dye into the engine oil, run the engine for ~5 minutes and look for evidence of the dye. If none is present, the leak is transmission fluid.

I doubt it's the pan-to-engine seal that's leaking again. Unless it was a shoddy job.

If it's the rear main seal (engine) or the front pump seal (transmission), the transmission has to be removed to get at either.

 

Either way the engine does not need to be removed right?

 

If it's the oil pan that's leaking, no.

If it's the rear main seal (crankshaft) or the transmission pump seal: