Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a transmission pump body having a surface defining apertures, including an intake port, an exhaust port, and a drain back hole; a bell housing; and a steel wear plate disposed between the pump body surface and the bell housing, wherein the wear plate defines a plurality of apertures that mimic and correspond with the intake port, exhaust port and drain back hole of the pump body. The wear plate protects the bell housing from damage in the event of a catastrophic failure of a torque converter or transmission pump, without interfering with normal operation of the transmission.