Transmission leak

[RamV10]

My 2012 Liberty's transmission leaks from the bell housing weep hole. I had it checked by a shop that I have used before, and after an visual check, I was told that leak is coming from most likely the pump bushing and it's not repairable and the transmission should be replaced. I trust this shop, but it now has a new owner.
There's just over 96,000 miles on the Liberty and I check the fluid level every week.
Any comments?

 

[lfhoward]

It never hurts to get a second opinion. My transmission is at 229,000 miles and not leaking from there (as far as I know). The pan is rusting out and weeping fluid so time to replace that.

Yours seems pretty low mileage to be having that kind of issue.

Are you sure the leak is red transmission fluid? It could also be engine oil if brown. That could be a rear main seal or possibly a leak from up above at the valve cover that is taking the easiest route to the ground.

 

[RamV10]

It's definitely ATF, I have a pan with paper towels to collect the drops. I've located other shops in the Colorado Springs area. Anytime I get under the Liberty, I can see the fluid drop by the weep hole.

 

[lfhoward]

Got it. Thanks for those details. Wish I could be more help.

 

[KJowner]

Have you asked why can't they just replace the pump or its seal? I'd get a second opinion, it sounds very expensive replacing a whole low mileage for a leaking seal.

I haven't had to do a seal on my Jeep gearbox so there may be some good reason why they said this, but I'd definitely ask around before agreeing to any work.

 

[RamV10]

I talked to a transmission shop manager today (he got me a torque convertor for a 67 Dodge RT 440 restoration), and he thinks its most likely a pump seal that's leaking. But if it's a bushing, it can be repaired, instead replacing the trans.
Several other shops wouldn't even talk without seeing the Liberty.