I tried a search and read a lot, but nothing that answered this last question.

I was going to drain and fill my diffs this afternoon. I could have sworn there would be drain plugs on them, am I wrong? It's not really a big deal if there is not, I'll just go get a pump to get it out. But, if they are there, I want to use them.

The reason I ask is I thought that the "5 oclock" bolts on the cover was the drain plug. I pulled them out, but nothing. So, is there a drain plug or no?

99 Rodeo, V6, 4x4, automatic

Thanks for the help, and sorry for the newbie question, but I am learning. I've never been under a vehicle before. When I was under there today I had a horrifiing discovery, but that is a different story for another time.

Thanks again,
Marc

I know that the front doesn't have one, but the rear I'm not possitive. You have a rear dana 44. For some reason I don't think there is one on the rear ether. I hope that helps.....And what did you find under there?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

The front diff very much has a drain plug. Look at the third-member mounting bolts... one of them should have a copper washer between it and the diff (as stated, about the 5 o'clock position). That is the drain plug. If stuff doesn't start flowing out right away, try taking a metal coat hanger/ice pick/piece of wire/etc and rooting around a bit.

It also helps to remove the filler plug on the front diff. It drains better that way.

Thanks for the info,

I did have the fill-plug off, but I think the drain plugs are clogged with gasket material. I will try the coat hanger trick and hope for the best.


As far as the bad discovery. There is a lot of oil or some fluid all over the bottom. I could not tell if it was oil or what, but it was plentiful. It was all over the area in-between the oil pan and the tranny pan. It was caked everywhere. Also there was some fluid on the under-side of the engine, it was light. One of the boots (not an axle boot, but a boot on the rod that connects to the left front wheel. Not sure what it is called) was covered in grease. The boot looked good under initial inspection, but I have no idea where it is from. There were other various spots that had grease on them on the underside of the Rodeo.


The weird thing is, I always look for oil on the ground when I move the vehicle. Never have seen a puddle. All my fluids seem good. Only thing I haven't checked it the tranny, but it runs absolutely fine. About a month ago I did a lot of driving over a week-end and I lost about a qt of oil. I assumed it burned, but maybe not.


Marc

Was it red? if so you may have a trannie leak, if it was brown/black then it may be a small leak at the back of the oil pan or the rear main may be slowly going.


I'm pretty sur that the boot you're refering too is the racks inner tie-rod boot.


Madcat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I had a bit of transmission problem on the way to Atlanta from Orlando. What should've been an 8hr. trip turned into 13. I was leaking tranny fluid at an astounding rate. I had to pull over every hour and attempt to fill my tranny with fluid using a water bottle. It was fun.

Anyway, after ariving in Atlanta at 4am in the morning, I started to make phone calls to find someone who could fix this on a Saturday. I found an Isuzu dealer who took pity on me and my vacation. Dropped the truck off and had to blow 3 hours. When I picked it up, the dealer told me I had a cracked torque converter cover (I think that was it). It cost $180 dollars to fix. Thing is, I changed my oil the day before I left and I didn't see any fluid leaking or anything cracked under the truck while I was under there. How the cover cracked, I have no idea. I imagine any tranny shop would be able to tell you what's leaking. Just for reference, mine was leaking exactly where you described, between the oil pan and tranny pan.

Good Luck!

I checked the problem area again today and the fluid is black and very sticky. It seems like it has been there for a while. I've got an appointment for next week. I still have no idea where it is from. Hopefully when I take it in, there will be nothing but good news. Or at least a cheap fix. For the record, I used sea foam for the first time in the crankcase recently.

Just picked up the Rodeo from my mechanic; total charge---$0.00. Awesome, I am happy. I fealt foolish, but it is good to know. The fluid inbetween the oil pan and tranny pan is an undercoating.

As far as the boot with fluid on it, it is the steering rack seeping. Good news is, my mechanic said it shopuld still be good for years.

On a side note, it is nice to have an honest mechanic. They could have taken me for a lot of money, instead I was charged nothing to have my vehicle looked at. This is why I have been going there for 14 years.

Now it is time to take care of the diffs and transfer case.
Marc

We have some loser shops around here. The trouble is, everyone thinks they are great. A local chain called Alton's here wanted to charge a friend of mine $800 to fix the oil leak on her Chevy 3.1 V-6 or $1000 to reseal the whole engine. It took me about an hour and a $2.00 o-ring to fix it. Hasn't leaked a drop since then. I hate thieves.