1997 4runner 2WD 3.4L SR5 - 3 months of ownership ($6500 w/ 150K miles)

Anyhow, about a month or two after buying, started to notice a transmission fluid puddle under the center of the vehicle. Puddle gets bigger and bigger yet fluid level remains constant? Took a picture of where the leak appears to be coming from:



Right there at the rear end of the transmission, seems to be leaking out of the top "plug" all over the lower speed sensor and mounting damper. Here's another view:



you can see the net result is fluid dripping off the mounting damper - at least that's what I think is going on.

Would appreciate some input about that "plug" - put a wrench on the 12mm bolt and was plenty tight - plug seems to be hard plastic - would think it to be a place to check fluid level but can't figure out why it keeps leaking? Also, if I need to replace something, would like to know what it is called - but more than anything would like to see if anyone else has had a similar problem.

TIA,

Rick

 

Don't know what the plug is but I would try removing it and see if there's a gasket or O-ring behind it that needs replaced.

 

Definitely spray that baby down so it is clean and find the EXACT origin of the leak. Check it every time you pull back in the driveway. Other than that good luck!

 

Agreed on that - although I am 99% sure it is coming from that plug - you can see pretty red fluid trickling right out of the seam - although the pictures don't show it.

I would have removed it to check for an O-ring already, but am worried I'll have a major spill on my hands - suppose I'll have to just do it and see what happens. I can't seem to find anything about that plug anywhere, though - which seems wierd in itself. Maybe somebody else has dealt with this.