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Modified JK TechTech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.
PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM
All, first I’ll introduce myself. I’m Jesse and I’m new to the forum. I’ve owned 5 jeeps in my life (74 CJ5, 96 Cherokee, 05 TJ, 91 Cherokee and now an 09 JKU). I live in Winston Salem, NC and I had been living in Colorado for the last 6 years (from there originally).
I just bought a 2009 JKU with about 75k miles on it. The Jeep is immaculate and
has excellent service record history. Perhaps the immaculate part was a problem as I didn’t notice any leak when I bought it. A month later, it’s caked in fluid.
I first noticed what I’m 99% sure is ATF dripping from the engine oil filter (see picture). This struck me as odd because it’s nowhere near the transmission or the transmission lines.
About 2 weeks ago I had 315/70/17’s installed and the leak has gotten worse. It’s now spread to the area around the oil pan (towards the front) and is dripping oily red fluid all over (2-3”) pool every night.
As I understand it, the JK uses atf+4 as power steering fluid and the power steering pump is almost directly above the oil filter. This leads me to believe I have a failing/leaking pump. That said, I don’t see any fluid around the pump.
Still, I suspect this is the problem. Before I spend the time and money to replace the pump, anyone disagree and have a different solution?
The only red fluid in that area on a 3.8L would be power steering fluid. There are hoses attached to the pump. Run your hand under each and you may locate the leaker.
The only red fluid in that area on a 3.8L would be power steering fluid. There are hoses attached to the pump. Run your hand under each and you may locate the leaker.
Thats kinda what I am thinking. I’ll probably just replace the pump anyway. Excellent chance it is the source of the leak and at 70k plus miles it may go out at any point anyway.
Thats kinda what I am thinking. I’ll probably just replace the pump anyway. Excellent chance it is the source of the leak and at 70k plus miles it may go out at any point anyway.
Thank you you for taking the time to reply.
Jesse
You're certain it's an oil of sorts yes? Kind of looks like coolant fluid.
It does look a bit like coolant but it’s slick like oil. I’m going to pull a sample of coolant from the overflow in the morning to compare the color; just to be sure.
Thanks
Originally Posted by Seizer
You're certain it's an oil of sorts yes? Kind of looks like coolant fluid.
Reason I ask is my lower intake manifold gasket was leaking and it looked very similar to what you took a picture of. The leak also made it's way on to my right lower control arm.
I don’t see any sign of a leak near the intake manifold but I’m not going to rule that out. Do you know if the coolant in an 09 would have a slightly “slick” feel to it? The viscosity is similar to a really thin oil.
Reason I ask is my lower intake manifold gasket was leaking and it looked very similar to what you took a picture of. The leak also made it's way on to my right lower control arm.
This was my thought as well, especially having experienced a LIM leak on my 2009.
Please help me confirm the origin of this leak!
