TJ leaking fluids

[TMB]

2003 Jeep TJ sport 4.0l i6

Anyone know what this leak is and about how hard is it to fix? I'm a self taught diy'er but I DD my jeep so I need it to drive to work so I need to know what it is. I believe this is the rear tranny seal that's leaking but I'm not sure. I checked the tranny fluid and it is above the hot markers when cold on the tranny dip stick, could that be the problem? I have never added fluid to the tranny and I have had esby for 5 years so I don't know why it would start leaking now. (esby is the name of my jeep). Any help would be appreciated thanks guys and gals!

EDIT: I was wrong its definitely engine oil leaking not transmission fluid.

- Patrick

 

[Irun]

I can't tell if the fluid is red or brown, but it looks like a rear main seal leak.

 

[TMB]

I can't tell if the fluid is red or brown, but it looks like a rear main seal leak.

After closer inspection I believe it is engine oil and not transmission fluid.

 

[Irun]

Fluid looks to me like a dirty red. I don't believe it to be engine oil. Since it seems to be coming from the tranny.

If it is the transmission, you're going to have to pull the transfer case and transmission to replace the seal.

 

[Irun]

If it is the transmission, you're going to have to pull the transfer case and transmission to replace the seal.

Just check very carefully that it's not the RMS or valve cover gasket before digging into the tranny.

 

[TMB]

Just check very carefully that it's not the RMS or valve cover gasket before digging into the tranny.

I will check now I cleaned all the oil from the drip and am going to take my jeep for a ride around the block until it gets to operating temperature. Hopefully that shows me where the leak is coming from.

 

[Chris]

Rear main seal or valve cover leak most likely. Get out the UV dye and find out for sure.

 

[TMB]

After a clean and a drive this is where its leaking from.

 

[TMB]

Rear main seal or valve cover leak most likely. Get out the UV dye and find out for sure.

There is a lot of black build up around the back of the valve cover... I can't seem to find fresh oil coming from anywhere around the valve cover though.

 

[Chris]

There is a lot of black build up around the back of the valve cover... I can't seem to find fresh oil coming from anywhere around the valve cover though.

In that case it’s likely the rear main seal. Definitely a common issue with these things.

 

[TMB]

In that case it’s likely the rear main seal. Definitely a common issue with these things.

Thanks for your help man I really appreciate it. I just looked up the guide on how to change that and it seems a little to complicated for me and with the tools I have. Guess I'm dropping this weeks check on a shop visit rather then saving up for a lift kit!

 

[motomick76]

Just curious, how many miles are on it? If you are taking to mechanic to change seal, would be a good idea to check main bearings. It is rare to see them heavily worn, but if they are, a seal will only work for a little while before it starts leaking again.

 

[TMB]

Just curious, how many miles are on it? If you are taking to mechanic to change seal, would be a good idea to check main bearings. It is rare to see them heavily worn, but if they are, a seal will only work for a little while before it starts leaking again.

94,000 miles right now. She's still a baby even from 2003.

 

[motomick76]

Yea, low miles. Good to hear. A seal and you should be fine and not worry about bearings. My seal went out around 96,000 and put new one in and good to go.

 

[mxz800]

Whenever I have a leak I throw cardboard under it then I can tell what fluid, and where its coming from.