dent on transmission pan = bad ?

[AlanRebod]

Greetings,

2007 Saturn ION. Believe it has a 4T45E / MN5 transmission. I was doing an oil change today (first since I bought it) and found some damage on the transmission pan (from the previous owner it would seem) - looks like it was scraped on the road or something.

There are no leaks from the tranny and it drives without any noticeable problems. Does this look like something I should be worried about? I would hope that this only affects the pan/cover and not the transmission itself.

Pictures:

http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02629qy1.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02631kk3.jpg
http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02630rx1.jpg
http://img300.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02632be2.jpg (zoom in of affected area)

Thanks,

Alan

 

[AlanRebod]

I would also like to add that the pictures don't seem to capture the fact that it is actually "dented" a noticeable bit. The smooth looking areas are where it is actually dented inwards.

 

[JHZR2]

If there are no leaks,and the pan still will bolt up properly after being removed, Id leave it alone.

 

[JTK]

I've got the exact underbelly on my 2007 Cobalt, minus the dent thankfully. Yeah, I'd be inclined to leave it as well. That car seems a tad young to look so greasy underneath. Whats up with that? The pain of the whole thing is the no dipstick on these 4T45Es. You have to use the "level check" plug that sticks out towards the pass side wheel and fill from the threaded cap up top. If you do wind up replaceing it, check eBay and get an aftermarket one with a drain plug. IIRC, the 4T40 pan is the same.

Joel

 

[SWHeat]

+1 on the oily covering on the transmission pan. My old beaters don't have that much of a film unless there is a leak.

 

[AlanRebod]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not really sure where all that grease is coming from. Its probably worthwhile to check the fluid level (I found the procedure, its a bit contrived being a "sealed" unit but doable) so I'm going to do that in the morning and see if I'm low on fluid and possibly leaking.

It looks like its covering the entire surface though.. would it make sense for a tranny leak to cause that kind of film?

I would tend to think the fluid would just fall out the edges of where the pan meets and on to the ground, IMHO. So hopefully there is a more reasonable explanation here.

 

[mechtech2]

If that dent plugs/partially plugs the filter/pickup inlet, there is a problem. Also a problem if it knocked the pickup out of it's seat, and you are sucking air at times.
If there are no noises or performance problems perceived, let it go and look at it more closely at your next trans and filter change.
I'd beat is out a bit then, in any event.