Land Rover Repair: 95 Disco auto trans leak, high pressure hose, line leak

Question
Hello -
Our 1995 Disco automatic just burped out about a quart of trans fluid on the
garage floor after a 10 minute drive. I am currently unable to physically get
under the car myself, and as we live on a small island in the NW we have little
in the way mech help, certainly not with any Disco knowlege. #1. What let go
to drop the fluid? Can we (wife & non-mech friend) fix it? or do we need tow
& professional? any hints about what might have let go would be a big help.
Last service was about 12 mo; mech "tightened the sump pan bolts" and all
has been well. Any ideas? thanks in advance, James-on-Lopez  

Answer
Hi James,

could be a hose or line leak.  Maybe a certain vibration causes the line leak to 'open up' and leak out.  I had this with my power steering line/hose.  It did not leak unless I drove down a rough road or trail - then I'd see a small pool on the ground the next day.

This kind of leak can happen with high pressure hose/line connections.  As for changing them, you first have to determine where the leak is.  You'll have to go underneath, completely clean the suspected hoses and connections and then drive the vehicle.  After awhile, crawl back underneath and see what has leaked fluid.  I did have a tiny leak at the radiator - but was resolved when I replaced the rad.

I've changed hoses and lines and it's not that difficult to do.  You have to order the exact hose you need and carefully install without crimping the connections.  Once done, you'll have to top up your tranny fluid.

On that note, have you checked the fluid level of your transmission?

Best of luck,

JohnMc