DCT Leak Recurring Problem?

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by gordon@

+1 the SSP gasket package is awfully expensive...

It is costly. Time will tell if it holds up. I got mine during a Black Friday sale a year ago, so perhaps waiting for a sale or organizing a GB would be prudent.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by buddalun

It is costly. Time will tell if it holds up. I got mine during a Black Friday sale a year ago, so perhaps waiting for a sale or organizing a GB would be prudent.

Please let us know. I am curious to know how it holds up.

[///Mobbin]

I've had just the lower SSP viton gasket and stainless screws installed since July and will be inspecting it soon to see if I also need to install the side gasket. I'll provide an update once checked.

[///Mobbin]

Looks like I am at least half-way there, this new lower pan looks way better than the last with the viton gasket installed. It does look like a very slight leak on the rear half though, I gently tightened the rear lower pan bolts but think the fluid is coming from the side pan. Not keen on lowering the transmission at the moment so this will have to wait for another day.

[///Mobbin]

This seems telling:

[kabeero]

does the lower pan need to be replaced along with the Viton gasket due to warping?

is there any guide for lowering the transmission? my mechatronics gasket is leaking pretty badly, pretty sure I can't get all the bolts out without dropping it

[BzsBimmer]

People say that they are able to replace the side gasket without fully dropping the trans.

The dealer will drop it, an indy might not.
There’s also a top gasket as well, somewhere up top.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

People say that they are able to replace the side gasket without fully dropping the trans.

The dealer will drop it, an indy might not.
There’s also a top gasket as well, somewhere up top.

Yes, there the top can leak as well. Mine did, from the hose/pipe mount.

[GORDON.M3]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Looks like I am at least half-way there, this new lower pan looks way better than the last with the viton gasket installed. It does look like a very slight leak on the rear half though, I gently tightened the rear lower pan bolts but think the fluid is coming from the side pan. Not keen on lowering the transmission at the moment so this will have to wait for another day.

Terrible, judging by the pics... the SSP gasket also leaks with the OEM plastic pan and new bolts... I'd expected more coming from a $399 gasket package.
The biggest issue is that the heat coming from the transmission warps the plastic pan ever so slightly that it causes a leak.
I suspect replacing the pan with an Aluminium pan and sealant type gasket will be the right fix.
I'm going to pick up this sometime this summer. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1450190

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by kabeero

does the lower pan need to be replaced along with the Viton gasket due to warping?

is there any guide for lowering the transmission? my mechatronics gasket is leaking pretty badly, pretty sure I can't get all the bolts out without dropping it

I don't believe my lower pan needed to be replaced but we had the part on hand and decided to go for it.

BMW TIS may be the only reference for lowering the transmission, not sure.

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

People say that they are able to replace the side gasket without fully dropping the trans.

The dealer will drop it, an indy might not.
There’s also a top gasket as well, somewhere up top.

I recall reading something about folks doing this but having put eyes on this recently I don't see how you would ever tighten the top bolts properly without lowering the transmission.

Originally Posted by gordon@

Terrible, judging by the pics... the SSP gasket also leaks with the OEM plastic pan and new bolts... I'd expected more coming from a $399 gasket package.
The biggest issue is that the heat coming from the transmission warps the plastic pan ever so slightly that it causes a leak.
I suspect replacing the pan with an Aluminium pan and sealant type gasket will be the right fix.
I'm going to pick up this sometime this summer. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1450190

From the tray it appears that most of the fresh fluid splatters appear to be coming from the side pan at least. It's also possible that my lower pan bolts just needed to be tightened slightly on that side, TBD. I do a lot of my own work but I didn't do this particular job and am not sure what they were originally tightened too. That said I think you are onto something regarding the plastic lower pan.

Perhaps the more cost effective solution to this issue, if you only have a slow leak, is to just top off the fluid on a regular basis.

Does anyone know how to check the DCT oil level using BMW Tools? That would also be nice to know.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by gordon@

I suspect replacing the pan with an Aluminium pan and sealant type gasket will be the right fix.
I'm going to pick up this sometime this summer. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1450190

Good find here also, I like the cooling fins!

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Perhaps the more cost effective solution to this issue, if you only have a slow leak, is to just top off the fluid on a regular basis.

Ryan - To confirm, your DCT leaked, even with SSP Viton gaskets and SS hardware, and a new plastic OE pan? Ugh!

If so, I guess I can look forward to more leaks.

Anyway, I ordered the Slon-Workshop DCT pan. Can't go wrong for $750 shipped.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1419526

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by buddalun

Ryan - To confirm, your DCT leaked, even with SSP Viton gaskets and SS hardware, and a new plastic OE pan? Ugh!

If so, I guess I can look forward to more leaks.

Anyway, I ordered the Slon-Workshop DCT pan. Can't go wrong for $750 shipped.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1419526

So I only installed the viton gasket on the lower pan along with a new lower pan, ss hardware, new filters and new fluid. I did not install the viton gasket on the side pan yet but plan to do so at some point when I drop my transmission. FWIW the shop that installed everything said the filters and fluid looked great and probably didn't need replacing (this was at about ~35k miles), since we already had them on hand we went ahead and replaced the filters.

Prior to this work my entire lower pan was covered in DCT fluid, with the new lower-pan/gasket/hardware it looks like far less fluid is leaking from the lower pan. It does look like I have a side pan leak also (with the original side pan and original OE gasket still installed).

That Slon-Workshop DCT pan looks legit, nice!

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

So I only installed the viton gasket on the lower pan along with a new lower pan, ss hardware, new filters and new fluid. I did not install the viton gasket on the side pan yet but plan to do so at some point when I drop my transmission. FWIW the shop that installed everything said the filters and fluid looked great and probably didn't need replacing (this was at about ~35k miles), since we already had them on hand we went ahead and replaced the filters.

Prior to this work my entire lower pan was covered in DCT fluid, with the new lower-pan/gasket/hardware it looks like far less fluid is leaking from the lower pan. It does look like I have a side pan leak also (with the original side pan and original OE gasket still installed).

That Slon-Workshop DCT pan looks legit, nice!

Got it. I'm still a little bummed that your lower Viton gasket leaked (albeit significantly less than the OE gasket).

I am hoping with the Slon-Workshop pan, and the SSP Viton gasket in-place on the side pan (mechatronics cover), the leaks will be resolved. The additional fluid capacity is a boon as well.

If the leaks continue after these additions, then an occasional top-off (and wipe down) like you mentioned may be best.

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by buddalun

Ryan - To confirm, your DCT leaked, even with SSP Viton gaskets and SS hardware, and a new plastic OE pan? Ugh!

If so, I guess I can look forward to more leaks.

Anyway, I ordered the Slon-Workshop DCT pan. Can't go wrong for $750 shipped.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1419526

nice, how did you get it for $750? the group buy was $1,000.

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by Patrón

nice, how did you get it for $750? the group buy was $1,000.

Check the thread for pricing details (I posted a link above).

Here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1419526

[GORDON.M3]

If I recall correctly if the DCT fluid ever goes too low it will trigger a code.
Good choice on the ALU pan. $750 is a great deal, I'm sure you could have held off for $700 as other vendors (TRONIK) are selling it at that price also.

[kabeero]

Originally Posted by gordon@

Good choice on the ALU pan. $750 is a great deal, I'm sure you could have held off for $700 as other vendors (TRONIK) are selling it at that price also.

Gintani makes a nice DCT pan as well for $850
http://gintani.com/product/gintani-d...anced-oil-pan/

(pictures)
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...5&postcount=91


I think if the temperature issues of the DCT are resolved, the Viton gasket is unnecessary.


My understanding is the OEM aluminum bolts are one-time use due to their stretching. The screws are listed as 14x M6x24 for the DCT pan and 12x M6x14 for the mechatronics housing.

Although a little shorter, I think these SS screws should work for the DCT pan:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#92095a488/=1b6ccvs (M6x22, 18-8 SS)
https://www.mcmaster.com/#94500a238/=1b6cfio (M6x20, 316 SS, more corrosive resistant)

And for the mechatronics:
https://www.mcmaster.com/#94500A315 (M6x14, 316 SS)

If anyone has the Viton kit on hand, what screw length did they use for the SS DCT pan?

[KawBoy]

OEM bolts are not aluminum.

[kabeero]

Originally Posted by KawBoy

OEM bolts are not aluminum.

SSP kit:
"We have also replaced the factory aluminum stretch bolts with hardened stainless bolts which can be reused."

[buddalun]

I'm not a fan of the Gintani in that you cannot use the OEM DCT under tray/cover. I believe the SSP unit has the same issue.

Also, what does the baffling look like on the inside of the Gintani?

Finally, since the Gintani is deeper, do they provide a spacer for the DCT oil pickup like the Slon unit? I believe not.

The Gintani seems a decent piece, but perhaps not as well thought out as the Slon, IMO.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by buddalun

I'm not a fan of the Gintani in that you cannot use the OEM DCT under tray/cover. I believe the SSP unit has the same issue.

Also, what does the baffling look like on the inside of the Gintani?

Finally, since the Gintani is deeper, do they provide a spacer for the DCT oil pickup like the Slon unit? I believe not.

The Gintani seems a decent piece, but perhaps not as well thought out as the Slon, IMO.

I just went through and read all of the marketing on each option and agree. I think the Slon baffling could be helpful for the track also. Apparently it takes them 8 hours to mill this piece, hence the price. Good purchase at $750.