98 ES300 smoking and burning tranny fluid
10-18-20, 06:12 PM
#1
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98 ES300 smoking and burning tranny fluid
Hi guys,
My ES300 is pouring tranny fluid of some sort on the muffler, its a pressurized leak since I parked my car on the driveway and the leak made it to the rear wheels. Trans pan is dry, and the top of the trans is wet. Looks like it might be the power steering rack, its all wet around once of the connectors. What do I do about it? It smells really bad at stop lights and concerns other people. I'm tired of this thing breaking on me.
My ES300 is pouring tranny fluid of some sort on the muffler, its a pressurized leak since I parked my car on the driveway and the leak made it to the rear wheels. Trans pan is dry, and the top of the trans is wet. Looks like it might be the power steering rack, its all wet around once of the connectors. What do I do about it? It smells really bad at stop lights and concerns other people. I'm tired of this thing breaking on me.
10-18-20, 06:22 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
I can take a guess and say the power steering pump pressure line has blown out, have you checked the transmission fluid level to make sure it's not that?
10-18-20, 06:27 PM
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10-19-20, 10:15 AM
#4
Pole Position
I believe he means "checked the transmission fluid in the PS reservoir." They are separate systems, both using transmission fluid. Or if not literally that, he is also inquiring if you checked the PS system.
Replacing hoses is not uncommon on these and likely in my future, too.
Replacing hoses is not uncommon on these and likely in my future, too.
10-19-20, 10:33 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
No I meant the transmission, didn't want the car to be driven if it was losing fluid from the transmission.
10-19-20, 11:40 PM
#6
It’s either your power steering or your transmission. One of them must be losing fluid to have such a gross leak so keep a close eye on the level.
I had both of them leak on me within a month of each other. First the power steering lines burst from rust and having new tires. Then one of the transmission cooler line fittings started to leak at the radiator.
The power steering leak was far messier but both coated the underside of the car with fluid. If your pan is dry, then it’s probably coming from the power steering lines around the steering rack. You could possible look down between the engine and the firewall to inspect the steering rack with a flash light, but your best bet is to get it lifted on jack stands, ramps, a curb, or a lift and run the engine while you search for the drips.
I had both of them leak on me within a month of each other. First the power steering lines burst from rust and having new tires. Then one of the transmission cooler line fittings started to leak at the radiator.
The power steering leak was far messier but both coated the underside of the car with fluid. If your pan is dry, then it’s probably coming from the power steering lines around the steering rack. You could possible look down between the engine and the firewall to inspect the steering rack with a flash light, but your best bet is to get it lifted on jack stands, ramps, a curb, or a lift and run the engine while you search for the drips.
10-21-20, 07:00 PM
#7
98 ES300 Smoking and Burning
Hi, my 98 ES 300 just suffered the same leak problems. Timing belt seal, Power steering pump and pipes, Camshaft seal, and then a significant Gearbox leak.
I let the experts take care of these problems.
Unfortunately, the longer you leave it, the more costly it becomes to fix.
Good luck,e
Gary
I let the experts take care of these problems.
Unfortunately, the longer you leave it, the more costly it becomes to fix.
Good luck,e
Gary
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