[mark4565]

A few months back I had the front bumper off and passenger side wheel cover off. When it came off the transmission cover was super corroded. It was shocking how rusted it was. When I got car inspected recently I asked about the cover and they said it will come right off, just get a replacement.

Now that I am interested in swapping this cover, it seems it is unavailable to purchase. If this is true, any recommendation to fix that costs dollars, not hundreds (or thousands)? It seems like this is an issue trapping moisture and salt and it starts excessive corrosion and then leaking transmission fluid and people either ditch the car or pay thousands for new transmission.

https://cdn.carcomplaints.com/complaints/images/fc3a5083-cb29-11e6-815e-11c196ac9a02r.jpg

2008 Ford Escape Transmission Fluid Leak

The 2008 Ford Escape has 4 problems reported for transmission fluid leak. Average failure mileage is 101,450 miles.

www.carcomplaints.com

Thanks!

 

[mark4565]

 

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Thanks for the picture. I take it that picture in not from yours it is from the web. Since it is dated from 2016
And I assume you live and operate your ride in the rust belt areas. (Your profile is lacking the location of city state)
So glad I moved away from SE Michigan.

So how about some information!!!
And don't know what transmission you have. Escape of that generation had 2 automatics and one stick. So, I have no idea what the cover is for.
What engine?
Hybrid or not?
Two wheel drive or AWD?

Is yours in similar condition?
Wonder how to remove something like that. It will come off when new. Corroded/rusted like the picture shows may require more effort.

Likely a cover from a donor vehicle in the Southern US areas would fix you up. And likely for low cost. Just need to know some info!
Before install I would coat the replacement. Paint, Clear or ??? Followed by wax.
I would also clean/treat the other parts in there as well. The rubber hose in the picture is NOT OE. It has been replaced as those are not factory clamps.
The rack boot could be treated too.

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If the cover is made of steel and NOT leaking there is a cheaper and crude repair.
Brush off the loose debris and paint with POR15.
All Products - POR-15 (por15.com)

Buy it at Amazon.
Follow the directions and/or coat the part a couple of times.

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[mark4565]

If the cover is made of steel and NOT leaking there is a cheaper and crude repair.
Brush off the loose debris and paint with POR15.
All Products - POR-15 (por15.com)

Buy it at Amazon.
Follow the directions and/or coat the part a couple of times.

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I like this a lot. No, it's not leaking through the steel yet. It was just very rusty and looked very out of place as the cast iron was rust free all around. It is leaking from the top right though at the seal. Is there a gasket in that cover that can be replaced?
$13.00 here:

POR 15 45032 - 4oz Can Gloss Black Rust Preventative Paint - Paint Over Rust! (Single Can) - - Amazon.com

POR 15 45032 - 4oz Can Gloss Black Rust Preventative Paint - Paint Over Rust! (Single Can) - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

What do you think about the bands inside that cover? Replace since it will be accessible?

I started the post several days ago about no start and you replied. Same car, I just enjoy working on it and learning about the parts and how to fix, for cheap.

 

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Could not tell you about if there is a seal or gasket around the cover with out some data.

And don't know what transmission you have. Escape of that generation had 2 automatics and one stick. So, I have no idea what the cover is for.
What engine?
Hybrid or not?
Two wheel drive or AWD?

Likely what is behind the cover is a servo. If the transmission has a band that would not be accessible behind the cover.

If you use the POR15, do not remove the cover. Leave it in place.

The transmission case would be made of aluminum or an alloy. That material does not rust.
I assume the cover is made of steel as steel does rust.

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[mark4565]

V6 3.0L automatic
No Hybrid
It's 2WD that automatically engages in 4WD if told so by sensor.

I would like to get that cover from somewhere south, used. Put the POR15 on it and replace mine. If I don't get a new one I would not remove that cover, looks like an immediate massive leak if I did that since it's so rusted and already leaking from the seal. It appears to be a location that will leak more and more fluid and kill the transmission if not replaced.

And it looks like the car needs to be jacked and the transmission dropped just to get that plate off which likely comes with the pump.

 

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4 speed automatic or 6 speed?

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[mark4565]

It's a 4 speed automatic

 

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Interesting. Thought it was going to be the 6 speed.

That is a CD4E transaxle used in many Mazda and Ford vehicles from 1995 to 2008
I believe your part is a pump body shown below.
Part 510 in the 500 assembly.
No bands and no servo, it is the pump that generates the fluid pressure for the transmission to operate.
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Here is an Ebay seller selling at least 7 of them. These appear to be coated on the exterior
96500A - CD4E, PUMP WITH STATOR, 1997-UP, FORD, MAZDA & MERCURY | eBay

And a remanufactured one for less $. And this one looks like bare metal.
Remanufactured R96500A Transmission Pump (Retros 94-Up) CD4E 94-18 | eBay

You might be able to do more shopping and get favorable terms

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[mark4565]

Interesting. Thought it was going to be the 6 speed.

I was sure it was a 6 speed as well. Looked at my title and said 4 speed. I honestly would have never known there was only 4 speeds unless I saw the title.
$60 for a brand new unit is awesome! Paint that with 2 coats, that won't be the reason the transmission fails in the future.

 

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It would be a nice contribution to this site if you post pics of the job. Assuming you are going to do it.

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