I noticed some drops of fluid on my garage floor under the front bumper. I put a pan under there & (overnight) I caught a couple of of these drips (it's a slow leak).
It is tranny fluid (thin, red fluid). I suspect a rock has damaged my transmission oil cooler.
Am I right?
Anybody else had this happen (yes I'm guessing).
Any ideas on how much I should expect to pay for repairs?

P.S. I have 'the screen' cover over the opening so it must've hit underneath that somewhere (?)

 

no cooler....could be anything from a loose pan bolt to a pump seal going south.....spray clean the underside and drive it..re inspect for leaks, easier to locate when its clean and fresh oil is present.....keep us informed.....

 

X 2, you could also just take a quik look to see if there is any obvious damage...

 

I looked. it was the radiator

 

Damaged by road debris ? I know you said you have the lower grill screen (me too)..

A/C condenser is in front of rad..

If leak is minimal, perhaps some GM stop-leak.. They have pellets that are clear..

 

If a right under the bumper, then flows radiator. Check your antifreeze (look in the expansion tank). If the antifreeze in red, then the probability of damage to the radiator is large.
I had decompression radiator as a result of severe frost.
I sealed. But I suggest you replace the radiator.
Cost:
New radiator $ - 110 - 150
Work on replacing the radiator $ - 20 - 50
new fluid (antifreeze) $ - up to 15.
For the cost of the radiator guarantee. For the cost of works would not answer in different places in different price.

 

I went ahead & replaced the radiator. I dont like the idea of using a 'stop-leak' sealer. I dont want that stuff running all through my motor. If I was broke, I may have gone that route but I'd always been taught to fix it right. Dont put a band-aid on it haha

 

Don't forget that there is a TSB for a shield for that area:

#08-06-02-001: No A/C, Engine Coolant Leak, Engine Overheating (Install
Plastic Shield to Stop Stone/Debris Impingement) - (Feb 13, 2008)


Subject: No A/C, Engine Coolant Leak, Engine Overheating (Install Plastic Shield to Stop Stone/Debris Impingement)


Models: 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR, LS, LT and Panel Van

Built Prior to August 27, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition
Some customers may comment on the engine overheating, a coolant leak, or that the A/C is inoperative.

Cause
This may be due to the very large opening in the front fascia.
Stones/debris can impact the A/C condenser and/or the radiator and
pierce the horizontal cooling tubes. This in turn causes loss of A/C
refrigerant, loss of engine coolant and/or engine overheating.

Correction

Important:: Verify that the customer concern was caused by condenser/radiator impingement.

Important:: Prior to installing the shield, inspect the condenser and the radiator for stone impingement.

Dealer technicians are to install a plastic shield that snaps onto the
condenser vertical tubes that protects the horizontal radiator and
condenser cooling tubes.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

25829960
Screen, Radiator Grille
1

 

That's the best way..

BTW: GM adds those pellets in every new car..

 

You all did so, as I suggested.
But please explain to me. you funny, that I sealed my radiator?