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So after changing the transmission fluid last night and taking it for a drive (huge improvement) I checked underneath to make sure I wasn't getting any leaks. Everything looked fine. I went back out later to check again because I'm ****, and to my surprise I found this. I'm not sure what this part is, or what the line is for. I am very inexperienced with transmission stuff. Any help is much appreciated.

 
Rep Power: 812

is your dipstick near that area? if its loose, it can cause fluid to spill out. you did not overfill the trans i hope. correct way to check is run the car til its hot (at least 20 mins), park on level ground, and check the dipstick a few times with the engine running. or maybe you just spilled some fluid while pouring the new stuff in?

 
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no the car was level, and it started spilling from the fill hole right at about 1.8 qts, which is what I've read should be the limit. I stopped and let it level off then put the plug back on. i'm confident I didn't overfill. also, I can't even seem to find a dipstick for the trans fluid. it's a 2001 dx 5 speed. surely i'm making a newby mistake and just not seeing it. probably right in front of my eyes.

 
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there is no dipstick for a manual.

 
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Is the leak a brake line near the caliper?? The second picture looks like it was taken from the drivers side under the motor mount and axle? I could be way off here..

 
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no that's from the top on the passenger side. the black plastic on the right of the pic is the first air filter chamber. after driving it around a bit today it seems to not be leaking anymore. i cleaned around the spots where the fluid was and it has not returned... hm

this car needs an overhaul, so I guess I'm just assuming the worst when I run into irregularities like this. my first real project, and my first manual. the guy that sold it to me didn't take care of it, so it's getting overwhelming with all the needed repairs.

thanks for help on this matter, but i think it's ok. probably some missed spillage or something from filling it up. it was late when i saw it and didn't want to mess with it any more last night.

now for that grinding

 
Rep Power: 812

oh yeah sorry. manual trans has a "finger hole" i believe to check the fluid.