Leaking Red Fluid

Hi,
I have a red fluid leaking out at base of front cross brace - beneath radiator, and have been advised that it could be either power assisted steering fluid leak or automatic transmission fluid.
Would like to be able to determine which but in both cases I am unsure as to where to find the filler point/ fluid level markings - not familiar with engine bay - 1st time P.38 owner and awaiting workshop manual CD.
Any help greatly appreciated.

If its beneath the radiator i would guess at it being power steering fluid as the reservoir is right at the front of the car next to the radiator.



to check it/top it up (taken from the manual)...


-Wills

power steering fluid and auto trans fluid are one and the same (tqf). what you need to work out is where its coming from.check your power steering fluid first as its easier. you need to crawl underneath and find out where its dripping onto the crossmember from.

Thanks to Wills and Yella Disco for the advice!
I will be putting her in for a service in a weeks time but need to travel from Ireland back home to Scotland to do so (few hundred miles) and my concern was this leak causing a problem!? If the 'Power Steering' top up reservoir is still full do I need to look at any other levels relating to the Auto Trans to know if I'm running low? I don't want to get caught short and even though the leak is dripping steady, this reservoir is not showing much loss.
Gordomac2

Gordomac2 said:

Thanks to Wills and Yella Disco for the advice!
I will be putting her in for a service in a weeks time but need to travel from Ireland back home to Scotland to do so (few hundred miles) and my concern was this leak causing a problem!? If the 'Power Steering' top up reservoir is still full do I need to look at any other levels relating to the Auto Trans to know if I'm running low? I don't want to get caught short and even though the leak is dripping steady, this reservoir is not showing much loss.
Gordomac2

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Hi again

ok, i have taken this from the RAVE cd. to check the transmission fluid you need to look for the dipstick with a red handle. on my DSE this is set further back from the main dipstick and is easy to spot. not sure how it will look on a petrol engined version.

let us know what you find



hope this helps
-Wills

I have a Diesel and I cant see no Transmission dipstick..? How do I check mine?

Post 99 model year does not have a transmission dipstick. I had an argument with a LR parts dept who told me to fill my auto box through the dipstick tube after doing a filter change. They wouldn't believe me til they asked the service dept.

Anyway, the fluid level for '99 MY is determined by removing the fill plug on the front of the gearbox, and filling til it overflows EVERY BLOODY WHERE as the engine needs to be running at the time.!!!

As long as there are no obvious leaks, the level should be OK, at least thats the theory.

is there a filter on this gearbox?

The filter is inside the box, and is accessed by firstly draining the fluid, then removing the sump. The filter is bolted to the bottom of the 'guts' of the gearbox and is held in place by a couple of screws.

A filter service kit comprises, lots of oil, a filter, couple of 'o'rings and a new sump seal.

Refilling the box is either through the dipstick tube for pre'99 MY cars or through the fill plug unitil it overflows on the later boxes.

wills said:

Hi again

ok, i have taken this from the RAVE cd. to check the transmission fluid you need to look for the dipstick with a red handle. on my DSE this is set further back from the main dipstick and is easy to spot. not sure how it will look on a petrol engined version.

let us know what you find

hope this helps
-Wills

Click to expand...

Wills
Do you have anymore nice pictures of the fill point on the gearbox for those who dont have a dipstick?

Hi. A common oil leak on autos is the oil cooler behind the front wheel. They take a stone in the rad and then **** oil every where. Replaced mine already.
Rad cost £100.00 and easy to replace.
Also check the two connections as they have small oil seals that can fail.
And it really screws up your tarmac driveway.

Canyon said:

Wills
Do you have anymore nice pictures of the fill point on the gearbox for those who dont have a dipstick?

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LAND ROVER MANUALS DOWNLOAD

Hi. Click on this link and get yerself a freeeee workshop manual.
It'll download to yer pooter as a pdf. and will be there whenever you need it.

wills said:

Click to expand...

thanks...is the filter easy to change?