Hey Guys, I just bought this 1994 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I'm trying to get everything together so I can have peace of mind. Just when I thought I was done, I have this leak. I've been told to buy a gasket pan but do I need a seal too? I don't have a manual so I have no clue what type of transmission fluid to use. Also, I am going to do it myself and can easily slide under the jeep but I need detailed instructions, minus the mechanical engineering terminology, if that's possible...
Thank you so much. Oh, here are some pics of the leak, this happened overnight:

 

Also, how do I remove these stains from my driveway?? I've never had this issue before. I know it's bad for the environment so I want to take care of it soon. By the way, the jeep is running great!

 

*Oil dry is available at about any auto parts shop. Cover the entire spill, but don't make a mountain of it. Just enough so you don't see the oil itself. Leave it overnight or longer. I step on the pile and grind it in if it's a stubborn stain.
*You need to be sure where the leak is coming from.. If it IS just the pan gasket leaking, all you need is a new gasket, replacement fluid (Mopar plus 4 or equiv) and a new filter would be recommended. If possible, take the old parts with you when you go to buy them for comparison.
*If the pan has no drain plug, loosen all the pan bolts but don't remove them. Once they're all loose, remove the rearward bolts and then remove the remaining ones one at a time going rear to front and left side, right side etc until you are half way done. Now if the pan hasn't started to drop, pound it a time or two with a rubber mallet to loosen it up (it should drop a bit now and fluid is running all over the place) You probably already prepared for that, right? Now just keep removing bolts until it drops low enough to drain most of the fluid out. (support the pan, don't wanna bend it) It's messy at best, and if you don't have one already, a drain hole kit can be added.
*Now it's mostly empty and can be removed. Dump the rest out and dispose of it properly.. The pan should be cleaned well, and there might be a magnet in the bottom which attracts any metal dust.. Clean it off and put it back.
*The tranny will continue to drip, but don't wipe it off with anything. Even a tiny bit of lint from a rag can clog tiny passages, so just let it drip.
*The filter looks like, well, a filter.. I forget how many bolts hold it on, but if in doubt, just get the new one for comparison before you remove anything. If I recall, there might be a rubber grommet on it. The new filter comes with one, so make sure it comes out with the old filter. (mine always have)
*Well, that's about it.. Make sure to wipe off the mating surfaces so they're shiny and dry. If the pan gasket is rubber, you don't use any kind of sealant on it. If it's a composite gasket, use some tacky gasket sealer to hold it in place on the pan and maybe put a thin layer on top of the gasket as well. Not too thick.. just like a coat of paint. Put the pan in place and put the corner bolts in to hold it in place. After all the bolts are started, tighten them gently until snug in a side to side/front to back pattern. Too tight is bad, especially on rubber ones. I use a little blue loc-tite on 'em just for added peace of mind. I don't have pics, so I had to use 1000 words Hope this helps.

 

DAWN dish soap with a scrub brush will work wonders on that stain, and your hands, and your clothes, etc etc the stuffs amazing!

 

Thanks so much, I did it today! No more transmission fluid eaks. New gasket seal and filter. It's amazing how the bottom of a transmission is constructed. COOL! I got some help but I certainly got dirty, I must get a scrub brush for these nails. The shower and several hand washing is not effective. Thanks so much for the detailed instructions. Perfect! Also, I have some dawn, will try it tomorrow. On to the next thing...

 

Also, I got a rubber gasket. The old one was cork, really 90's. Only thing I didn't use was the tacky glue. Messy job but worth every bit of dirt. I think I look cute dirty.

 

Dry clay cat litter is expensive and easy to use. All you need to do is pour some over the spot and use the backside of a wooden push broom or what have you at hand and grind the litter into the concrete. This will absorb. keep doing this until spot is gone.

I worked at a convenient store with gas pumps. Works great.
Susan

 

Welcome to the forum Susan!

I hope the Woman who Needs Jeep Expertise has gotten to removing the stain in her garage by now? There would be some very heavy procrastination involved if it had not gotten done yet. I think it would be great if she came back saying that she has tried everything over the years, except for the kitty litter, and she was now finally able to get the stain up after trying..

I recently made a mess of my sisters driveway when I was working on a ZJ.. to get it winter ready for my Brother in Law and my sisters family to use. She has a few cats and dogs. I used her kitty litter to remove all of the oil stains from off her driveway afterwards. Absolutely yes, it worked wonders to get those stains to come up easily. I ground it down in with my foot and left it all to sit overnight. The next day those stains all swept right up and away with ease...

 

One thing I caught. The Cherokee AW4 needs Dex/Merc fluid, not ATF+4. Also this is an 8 year old thread!

 

Nice catch.

 

Hahaha, no procrastination here. My son totaled the Jeep last year. I really miss Old Reliable—she was so good to us.

 

Haha.. Nice to hear from you! I hope your son was okay?

 

This is so inexpensive to use and leaves the concrete better and brighter than originally.
mMy 1996 Cherokee sport is in shop for a slight
Leak. Transmission pan gasket replace.
Expert advice is so very handy. Thanks for this forum. Susan

 

This is so inexpensive to use and leaves the concrete better and brighter than originally. My 1996 Cherokee sport is in shop for a slight
Leak. Transmission pan gasket replace.
Expert advice is so very handy. Thanks for this forum. Susan
Not always trust neighbors advice.

 

Better than me last weekend. I tried doing this on my driveway last weekend and failed. It was too cold, those 19 bolts are PITA, and the old gasket was stuck on tight. So I give you credit. Too bad you don't have the jeep anymore. Hope everyone is okay.