Oil leak between engine and trans

[TBarCYa]

My 2009 A4 has developed a leak between the engine and trans. I have the 2.0L with the CVT transmission.

Is there any way to tell whether this is engine oil or CVT fluid? My understanding is that CVT fluid looks a lot like used motor oil after it's got a bunch of miles on it. The engine oil is in the acceptable range and I haven't noticed any loss on the stick but I obviously cannot check the trans fluid. There has been a good amount of oil left on the driveway, most of which was there before I last checked the level. I'm not driving the car until I can figure out what it is because while I can top off the engine oil I can not top off the CVT fluid. At least not very easily.

Thanks.

[Theiceman]

are you sure its not the vacuum pump leaking and it dripping down and around ?

[TBarCYa]

are you sure its not the vacuum pump leaking and it dripping down and around ?

I don't see any oil running down either side of the engine and I cleaned the bellhousing to make sure I wasn't seeing anything old. I suppose it could be the vacuum pump or even the valve cover if either of those would run down the back of the engine and not the sides.

[TheKeyStone]

I was thinking the same thing until he said a good amount of oil on the driveway. I had to replace my vacuum pump because it was dripping on the transmission, but never leaked on my driveway!

[TBarCYa]

I was thinking the same thing until he said a good amount of oil on the driveway. I had to replace my vacuum pump because it was dripping on the transmission, but never leaked on my driveway!

I'm watching videos on how to remove the vacuum pump now because I did replace the PCV valve recently and I know a hose from the PCV goes to the vacuum pump so HOPEFULLY they're related. I'd much rather replace the vacuum pump than the rear main seal.

[Theiceman]

No hose goes from pcv to vacuum pump

Look on top of the transmission at the back of the engine. You will know
I agree pump may not leak enough to cause puddles


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[Jet08]

You can tell by the smell if CVT fluid or engine oil, colour and viscosity could be the same depending on age as you suggested.

[TBarCYa]

It smells like engine oil and I did notice a drop in the oil level so I think I have my answer. It's looking like a very expensive rear seal job on a car that's probably not worth the effort. Ugh....