Hello,
I drained the manual transmission oil in my 2005 Jeep Rubicon yesterday. I replaced it with Red Line MTL Manual Tranny Oil. The 2005 service manual says to torque the fill & drain bolts to 20 ft/lbs. This is too tight as the bolts will go into the tranny case below the bottom of the transmission housing, so I don't rely on that. I go by feel & tighten till I can still see the ends & at least 1 thread of the bolts. In spite of this, when I changed the oil yesterday, finished up & took it out for a quick spin, everything looked good & the tranny was much easier shifting & quieter. This is my second jeep: the first being a 2001 with a NV3550 5 Speed Manual, & the one in my current Jeep is a Mercedes Benz NSG-370 6-Speed Manual. Both service manuals say to torque both bolts to 20 ft/lbs. I learned early on with the 2001 that this was too tight, so each time since (4-5 changes between the 2 Jeeps), I go by feel.
This morning I went out & found a small circle of oil under the tranny which I thought may have been residual oil from the drain, but when I inspected it, I could see the edge of the drain bolt was cracked & it also cracked the tranny housing in the same line for about half inch or so up. It is not a large leak, but I am now very fearful. I loosened the bolt which helped with the amount leaking, but it will require immediate attention. I am expecting the worst...several thousand dollars if they have to replace the housing. I am faced with taking it to the dealer, cause anyone who works on it would need parts from them I suspect.
Advice? Can the bolt be replaced & the housing welded or brazed to fix & hold, or am I totally screwed? The tranny seems to be in two housings & this is the front half.
Any help or recommendation would be most appreciated.
a most concerned & loyal jeeper.
campbell south carolina