Fluid Leak Help Needed

[whs]

I noticed last night that I have a small fluid leak. I may get 3-4 drops on the floor after driving the car. It appears from the floor that it has probably been doing this for a couple of weeks. My floor is painted a light blue epoxy and the fluid is very clear on the floor, but it's not coolant. I laid down paper towels under the car last night to capture what is leaking and it seems to be a light brown color (I'm assuming oil). It's dripping down off of a nut that I have no idea what it is (picture attatched). It seems to be coming from higher up and dripping down to this point, but it's pretty tight up there and I can't get a good look. The "nut" is located just behiond the rear tire about a quarter the way in on the drivers side of a US 1999 C2 Cab Tip 65k miles. Any ideas? I know it's a bit of a crap shoot, but figured I would see what you guys think. I just had the spark plug tubes/rings replaced one year ago. Also had the transmission pan gasket replaced. Thanks in advance.

[Loren]

I would clean the area the best that I can - then drive the car and see if you can find the actual source point.

[whs]

I would clean the area the best that I can - then drive the car and see if you can find the actual source point.

That's what I'm going to try and do. I'm going to have to pull the rear tire to gain som access to this area. Do you know what that "nut" is? I'm getting ready to take the car in for an oil change and may just get the mechanic take a look. That being said, I like to have an idea before going in. Thanks.

[RFM]

It is the timing chain tensioner, look out !

[whs]

It is the timing chain tensioner, look out !

Okay, I'll bite why look out? Keep in mind, I don't think the fluid is leaking from the "nut" but rather above it and dripping down. I have cleaned everything up best I can and I'll see if I can get a better idea of the source. Thanks.

[RedRidge]

right above that is the AOS.... has a tendency to leak by the belows area.

[whs]

Okay, I cleaned everything up and took the car on a nice long run. Got back and look under the car for a leak and like every good issue, nothing! Waited a couple of hours and went back to look and it appears that the leak is coming from between the "nut" and where it is scewed in. It looks like there is an o ring or gasket there and the oil is seeping through. This is happening at a VERY slow speed. After two hours you can see the weeping but no drops to the base of the nut or to the ground.

Anybody know how intensive a repair this might be? It seems pretty staight forward. Thanks.

[RFM]

It takes approx. 30 minutes to fix, warning do not disturb the timing when slacken the chain, you have to take some precautions on the engine. I should go with a mechanic.

[whs]

It takes approx. 30 minutes to fix, warning do not disturb the timing when slacken the chain, you have to take some precautions on the engine. I should go with a mechanic.

Good to know it is a pretty quick fix and a $7 part. I will take it to the shop for repair. Thanks.