I have just acquired my 3rd late model Cherokee..an '01. I'm losing what appears to be trans fluid and i'm not sure what to diagnose/what needs replaced... It doesn't seem to lose fluid while its running but im not 100% sure. It does however have a small puddle underneath after its parked for a day. Its not a huge leak but after a couple weeks I imagine it would need more fluid so id like to just fix it now before it becomes my DD. It is wet at the front of the tranny where you can see that lowest bolt head. So, any ideas?

 

Maybe the front shaft seal behind the torque converter
Mine was leaking from there and went from a little to a lot fast

 

I believe I have pinpointed the leak to be coming from the small middle bolt on the bottom, of the front of the transmission. Any body know what this means? new front seal possibly?

 

edit: The bolt you're talking about holds the inspection cover on. You are looking at needing a new front seal.

 

I also have a whine coming from what sounds like the rear end that only makes noise under acceleration. The second you let off the gas it disappears. I'm wondering if these two problems are connected. I bought the jeep as-is so idk if they are or not. When you google "whining under acceleration" the two main things that come up are pinion bearing or transmission something or other. Any new ideas?

 

maybe take it to a shop that gives free estimates