Am I missing a transmission bolt?

[4Runner4TW]

I've been under the truck the past few weeks replacing the steering rack and then the drive belts. I noticed a slight leak which is transmission fluid. I investigated it some more this morning and its coming from the area in the pictures where I seem to be missing a bolt on the transmission bell house? I can use my figures to pinch the two together and see liquid.

Can anyone tell me if I'm missing a bolt in that area which would be an easy fix or is my transmission leaking at that gasket..

99 Auto 4x4
Exact area is the lowest part on the transmission bell housing just above the steering rack.

Thanks!

 

[4Runner4TW]

After further investigation this part of the transmission is suppose to be dry so it could be the torque converter leaking? Can anyone confirm? I hope the pictures help.

 

[hambob]

The bolt thats missing just holds a cover plate. It covers about 3 inches of the bottom of the tranny thats houses the torque converter. You can remove the plate and look in with a mirror.

Good luck

 

[4Runner4TW]

Anyone have any input on how much this would cost at a shop. Rough estimates? I have family in town and we are suppose to take this thing camping next week.

 

[angus]

Anyone have any input on how much this would cost at a shop. Rough estimates? I have family in town and we are suppose to take this thing camping next week.

Have you determined if it is engine oil or tranny oil? Could be a rear main seal.

Does it drip a lot or is it just wet?

 

[4Runner4TW]

Have you determined if it is engine oil or tranny oil? Could be a rear main seal.

Does it drip a lot or is it just wet?

Its definitely red. I just had the transmission fluid changed. I noticed it before the change but didn't think much of it cause it was just a little wet. Maybe now with the thinner, new fluid it's leaking fast. Very slow, probably a drop every few hours.

 

[jeremyc74]

Its definitely red. I just had the transmission fluid changed. I noticed it before the change but didn't think much of it cause it was just a little wet. Maybe now with the thinner, new fluid it's leaking fast. Very slow, probably a drop every few hours.

It's probably the seal around the main shaft on the torque converter. You should fix it when you can, but as long as you keep the fluid level up it will be fine. As long as you keep an eye on the fluid this is more of an annoyance than anything else.

 

[angus]

I would put some AT205 in there - it definitely has worked for me in multiple vehicles.

 

[ray122]

I would put some AT205 in there - it definitely has worked for me in multiple vehicles.

^^ i would stay away from these "stop leak" fluids, they are short term fixes to long term problems that will shorten the life of your transmission. Just do what [MENTION=116745]jeremyc74[/MENTION] said keep the levels topped off until you have time to fix it right.

 

[angus]

^^ i would stay away from these "stop leak" fluids, they are short term fixes to long term problems that will shorten the life of your transmission. Just do what [MENTION=116745]jeremyc74[/MENTION] said keep the levels topped off until you have time to fix it right.

AT205 is different, it is simply a seal conditioner - basically what is in "high milage" oils.

I too would (and DO) stay away from just about ANY other type of additive.

 

[ray122]

Anyone have any input on how much this would cost at a shop. Rough estimates? I have family in town and we are suppose to take this thing camping next week.

If the torque converter (tc) is bad it would be about $250 for a oem torque converter or you can get one from autozone or somewhere else for around $150 then add on what ever the labor rates your mechanic charges. But if your tc is bad your gonna wanna flush the tranny and clean the filter just incase the tc shot any crap into the tranny. before you go spend a fortune at the mechanic just remove that plate in the photo, its really easy and can be done by even the most novice diy mechanic. Jack the front of the truck up so you have room to work, there should be (if i remember correctly) 5 bolts holding the plate on, minus the one your missing. Examine the inside with a mirror, if you see fluid or if fluid comes out when you remove it you gonna need a new tc. If everything looks good then you can take one of the other bolts and head to the hardware store for a replacement ( just make sure its the same thread count, diameter and length).

 

[4Runner4TW]

It's such a slow leak I haven't seen any fluid on the ground. I'm going to wait off a while and have a friend help this summer