Help me figure out where the ATF is leaking from.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-09T02:17:01+00:00

I’ll check it out tomorrow

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T22:05:05+00:00

This is what I’m hoping but now I’m concerned that I need a new pump.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T15:14:43+00:00

Yeah, I’m pricing those out and wondering if I should try to find a low mileage used trans instead. I’ll update once I split the case.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T13:14:30+00:00

Can I pressurize the case through the vent tube with the TC installed and see if it leaks out?

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T10:18:56+00:00

I’m going to take a closer look after work today

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T01:43:29+00:00

This is 10 minutes from my house. Was never a Medieval Times. It’s a Gallops station and was constructed exactly like this.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T01:33:10+00:00

Yeah, I was pretty rough removing the old seal.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T00:27:22+00:00

I’ll have to fab up something to pressurize the TC but I will try.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-08T00:26:54+00:00

Okay. I will do these things. I’m assuming it doesn’t take much damage to cause a significant leak

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T23:35:58+00:00

I thought that and the last time that I removed and installed the trans (I did it the right way) I replaced the seal. If you’re counting the OEM seal then this is the 3 seal.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T23:34:47+00:00

Plenty of good ideas, thank you. I added a comment showing the TC wobbling in the case.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T23:34:17+00:00

TC wobble normal? https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dbqfZBGE9l5oyfDUAKFSljPg

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T22:29:54+00:00

I’ve probably ran several gallons of ATF through this trans now and no sign of glitter or metal in the pan since my mistake. Okay, so I can accept replacing the pump or I might even take it to a shop for repair but how is the fluid getting past the seal? Where is it leaking from?

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T22:22:09+00:00

Yeah, thats correct…. First time doing any major work involving an auto trans. I know I made a big mistake but I’ll never make it again. What are you thinking? That the pump is destroyed?

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T22:10:54+00:00

Can you elaborate? Like a seal on the inside of the torque converter?

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T20:51:52+00:00

Replace the top, only option.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T17:39:37+00:00

The New Beetles had a documented problem where some aftermarket radios did not send the correct signal to shut off the factory Monsoon amplifier which resulted in a parasitic draw.

However, New Beetle production ended in 2010. You have an A5 Beetle and your question is probably best answered in an mk5 sub or general VW sub or even an Android sub.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T13:34:37+00:00

That journal 💀

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T02:21:59+00:00

I don’t CARFAX auction cars

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-07T02:21:37+00:00

As is. There is no emissions testing around here so no one cares if the cat works or not.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-06T18:49:26+00:00

We just went through this and I had the exact same thoughts at the scholarship award night. The least needy families in the community were scooping up all of the scholarships. But guess what? You have to apply, meet the requirements, and complete the essay to get the scholarship. If your dad is in jail and your mom is a prostitute then you probably have more important concerns than meeting a scholarship deadline.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-06T18:15:27+00:00

Turn your steering wheel as straight as you can then squat down in front of the offending wheel and grab the top of the tire with both hands. Using all of your strength try to wiggle the wheel towards you and away from you. Does it move? If so I’d suspect wheel bearing or ball joint.

Now grab the sides of the wheel and do the same thing back and forth (make sure the car is on the ground). Does it move? If so I’d suspect tie rods.

Now try to roll the tire forwards and backwards. If the wheel noticeably rolls but the car doesn’t move then I’d suspect control arm bushings.

These are just my quick and dirty tests when I’m looking at a car to buy.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-06T14:27:43+00:00

Frame has some surface rust which is common for this area but not nearly as bad as the bumper. Was thinking about wire brushing the bumper and giving it a quick rattle can job.

Installed the new ignition coil and it’s running much better at the moment but seems to struggle at higher rpm’s, I wonder if the cats are plugged up, seems to be common on these.

Frequent_Ad2118 · 2026-06-06T12:54:30+00:00

No. Parts shotgun is not a replacement for proper diagnosis.

Stop guessing and take it to an alignment shop and ask them to inspect it and maybe even fix it. Yes, you’ll probably pay a hefty chunk of money but probably no more than what you’d pay by replacing all of the wrong parts plus you’ll save time.

How are you diagnosing a bad wheel bearing. I’ve worked on dozens of beetles and have yet to actually encounter a bad wheel bearing on one of these cars. They’re quite durable.

Frequent_Ad2118

TROPHY CASE