Leak in transmission???

[hms1975]

I was wondering if anyone might have experienced this, and maybe tell me some good news about fixing it. I have an 87 Cherokee with a 5-speed. I see no leaks, there is never any fluid under the jeep when parked, no wet spots visible on or in the Jeep. The clutch master cylinder goes empty all the time, though. Not too bad highway driving, but driving in town where the clutch is used more isn't pleasant. I have no idea what it could be. I am kind of hoping it is a line, and easy to fix (the brake lines all had to be replaced... especially after brakes went out on a steep hill because one of the lines broke) but my luck isn't that good. Someone had told me that a common problem with the 87's is the master cylinder, to look behind the fuse panel and see if it was wet. I didn't see anything, but haven't been driving it either. Have started it and pumped the clutch pedal. It is getting to be the season for off-road driving, so I really want to get it going again. I know the fluid has to be going somewhere...

[BCBlues]

If you have a hydraulic clutch mechanism (I'm not familiar with your year/model) there are three parts that can leak.

1. Clutch Master Cylinder.
2. Clutch Slave Cylinder.
3. Flexable Hydraulic Line.

With the age of your Jeep I would suggest that it is time to replace all three components. Just think how many times that clutch pedel has been pushed in in the cars lifetime = millions.

The components are easy to install and the bleading procedure is easy too. If you have access to a cylinder hone you can re-build these components yourself if the inside bore is not pitted.

Both new, and remanufactured cylinders and cylinder seal kits are availible at local parts stores

You can also replace just the component that is leaking.

To check the master cylinder remove it and you will see the fluid leaking around the bore.

Follow the hydraulic line from the master cylinder down to the clutch bell housing and you will find the flexable line and the slave cylinder.

Check for leaks in the line and pull the rubber boot back from the slave cylinder to see if the cylinder is leaking.

The rubber boot will probbly be all wet and gummy and full of fluid if the slave cylinder is leaking. The boot may even be missing, rotted off from time.

[hms1975]

I have a repair manual for the Cherokee, but the transmission in it does not match the two shown in the book. Transmission looks the same as the AX 5 but the clutch housing is different and I can't find any ID numbers. The line goes in the top, the bleeder is on the right side. Both in the book have the bleeder right next to the line.

[BCBlues]

My apologies as far as the clutch slave cylinder goes. I was refering to all of the other cars on the road as far as the location of the slave cylinder.

Well I dont have a five speed. Mine is an 1988 with auto trans. So I just looked up yours in my chiltons manual and it appeard that they call your slave cylinder a hydraulic concentric bearing. Why couldnt they put the dam thing on the outside like every other car on the road. If the problem is that unit you will have to remove your transmission to gain access to the thing. See if you have hydraluic fluid leaking from the bottom of bell housing.

Before removing the trans I would remove and inspect the master cylinder. When you pull it off if it is leaking you will see it. It may just be by-passing (not moving fluid) and that would cause a no clutch situation too. In either case by-passing or leaking it needs to be replaced.

You said it was loosing fluid so it has to be one of four things.
1. Leaking Master cylinder.
2. Leaking mastercylinder cap.
3. Leaking line.
4. Leaking hydraulic concentric bearing. (I bet this part is expensive because Jeep combined the pilot bearing with the slave cylinder into one component.

If you have to pull the tranny to replace the hydraulic concentric bearing you might as well replace the clutch disk and preassure plate at the same time.

Start at the top and work your way down.

Have fun.