While underneath my '96 Bronco yesterday I noticed a tiny leak from around some type of seal/plug in the bottom of the bell housing. I am almost positive that it is tranny fluid, and I am wondering what this seal is for? It is only a tiny leak, should I be worried about it? How do I go about fixing it? Thanks!!!

 

I dont know a ton about transmission leaks....but one day i was out offroading, and mine over heated and started leaking a ton. After a good 5hrs of cooling it off it was fine, or said to be fine by the mechanics at american service station. Unfortunately about 2wks later, out of know where it started leaking again the same as before, I just figured that it over heated again....but i had only been driving for like 5min. Then we went and got my trannyfluid and let it cool, and it was great....until i started driving it again. I took it to a transmission place, so i could get the right answer on the problem.They told me it was the seal between the engine and transmission where the flywheel was....and that its a good thing i didn't drive it but 5min after the leak. It ended up costing 325$ to fix the seal, while they were disecting my transmission they replaced all the seals and gave me a 12k or 1yr warranty on them too. I also had a jet shift kit put in. which cost more... Since then my truck has ran great and not leaked. My rule of thumb for you would be.....
If it leaks a drop or so a day, dont worry to much about it, as long as it does the same while your driving it too. But if it drips alot, like qaurts and steam comes out the hood from it hitting your exhaust, and it leaves puddles and sounds like its terrible for your car, have it towed to a tranny shop. If it just leaks a tad, keep adding in more until you have time to go get it fixed.
The reason the seal cost 325 is cuz of all the labor, they have to take off front and rear driveshafts, and the tcase and then the transmission to fix it. Hope i helped
-Rem

 

Thanks for the info. Like I said, it is just a tiny leak...as a matter of fact, I have yet to notice any in the driveway. Just a little on the bottom of the bellhousing.

I'll have my mechanic take a look at it when I take it in for my emission/inspection next week!