Can Water Enter the Transmission?
2 Answers
Can water enter the transmission? Here are the details: 1. Clean water entry: Try not to drive or run the engine. In this case, the water will settle at the bottom of the gear oil in the transmission. Open the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to drain all the water and oil, then add new gear oil. 2. Dirty water or water with sediment entry: If clean water enters and the vehicle is driven or the engine is run, the water and oil will emulsify due to high-speed mixing inside the transmission, making it difficult to separate the oil and water. In this case, the transmission must be removed and opened for cleaning. If sediment enters the bearings, especially the input shaft bearing, all components inside the transmission must be disassembled and cleaned.
I've always thought transmission water ingress is quite common, especially during rainy seasons or floods. As a car enthusiast, I've personally seen a friend drive through a deep puddle, resulting in water entering the transmission. Although it's supposed to be sealed, water can seep in when seals age or due to impact damage. Once inside, the lubricating oil mixes with water, emulsifies, and thins out, causing gear friction, overheating, rust, and corrosion. You might notice rough shifting, increased noise, and in severe cases, the gear lever could even get stuck. Prevention is simple: avoid driving through deep water (keep it below half the tire height) and make it a habit to check undercarriage seals after heavy rain. Repairs are costly and time-consuming, requiring system flushing or oil changes, which is why I always remind everyone to be extra vigilant during routine maintenance to avoid wasting thousands of dollars. This directly relates to driving safety—there's no room for carelessness.
