[sport_4x4]

Hi guys, I have posted about this before, but my previous thread did not get any replies so I decided to start a new one instead of resurrecting the old, dead one...

I've had a slow leak of a red-brown fluid right between the PTU and transmission. It seems to be a somewhat slow leak, since the spot has gotten about twice as large since last October when I first detected it.
Here are some photos of it. I hope someone here can tell me whether it's the PTU fluid or the transmission fluid, as well as any guesses as to the actual source of the leak.

 

[1coopgt61]

So I've got no clue whats leaking there. My suggestion is to take it to the dealer or a garage and have it diagnosed and get an estimate for the repair . Then you deside what you want to do after that.

 

[sport_4x4]

Well that's easy, they'll take a coupe of hundred dollars to tell me:
It's either your PTU or your transmission.
Start by changing the PTU for 3-4k and then if that doesn't fix it, the transmission will be 7k on top of that...

I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I take it to anyone so I don't pay extra for diagnosing then taking it elsewhere for a fix.

I was hoping with so many Cherokees getting on up there in miles, someone else would have dealt with a similar leak and could help diagnose it from the location and the color of the stains...

I guess the next step is to buy a boroscope and go exploring for the source...

 

[1coopgt61]

Well that's easy, they'll take a coupe of hundred dollars to tell me:
It's either your PTU or your transmission.
Start by changing the PTU for 3-4k and then if that doesn't fix it, the transmission will be 7k on top of that...

I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I take it to anyone so I don't pay extra for diagnosing then taking it elsewhere for a fix.

I was hoping with so many Cherokees getting on up there in miles, someone else would have dealt with a similar leak and could help diagnose it from the location and the color of the stains...

I guess the next step is to buy a boroscope and go exploring for the source...

Sorry dude if my answer wasn't good enough. I've got a 21 with 7000 miles on it.

 

[Flybynightcru]

Well that's easy, they'll take a coupe of hundred dollars to tell me:
It's either your PTU or your transmission.
Start by changing the PTU for 3-4k and then if that doesn't fix it, the transmission will be 7k on top of that...

I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I take it to anyone so I don't pay extra for diagnosing then taking it elsewhere for a fix.

I was hoping with so many Cherokees getting on up there in miles, someone else would have dealt with a similar leak and could help diagnose it from the location and the color of the stains...

I guess the next step is to buy a boroscope and go exploring for the source...

The best way to at least find a leak, is to thoroughly clean the area, and find out exactly what is leaking, and go from there...😎

 

[jcool001985]

My guess is PTU reason I say that is when I changed my ptu fluid it was pretty dark and a dark brownish color when put some on a towel. It also had a distinctive gear lube smell. If you know the smell of gear lube you can probably tell by that as well. Transmission fluid has a different distinct smell. The ZF 9 fluid is a golden light amber color when new. To save some money on mechanic diagnosis you could buy a quart of ZF 9 fluid and a quart of ptu gear lube. Compare the two colors and smell and most likely can determine based on that alone.

 

[j3r3myCs]

The best way to at least find a leak, is to thoroughly clean the area, and find out exactly what is leaking, and go from there...😎

What he said!

 

[AtlCade69]

If it's a leak between the 2, the repair may be as simple as a seal, take it to a reputable transmission shop if you don't want to spend $$$ at the dealer.