my tranny had a leak around the pan, so I went the cheap route and just replaced the gasket, and it still leaks in the same spot. Is it possible these cheap plastic pans get warped or something by the exhaust pipe and this is why it still leaks? all the bolts are torqued to spec.

 

It's a good rule of thumb when tranny cover leaks, you change the whole thing. Oil, seal, pan and bolts. There are a few places online that sell them as a kit.

 

plastic can get brittle and crack over time.
i wasnt even aware you could get the gasket seperately. heck, you can buy a whole pan on ebay or amazon for only 100.

 

I didnt see any cracks in it. I guess i'll replace the pan. I changed everything but the pan, I'm sorta mad this stupid thing is leaking in the first place, it has fairly low miles. The car has been sitting in the garage for the last 5 years, I drive it 10miles a week if that. You can buy the gasket from a ZF (company that makes the transmission) distributor.

 

When you get the pan / filter combo off, I would replace the Mechatronic seal while you're in there- it's not that complicated, and may be your problem right now... Also, insure that you torque the bolts to spec and in proper sequence.