How important is the black rubber plug on the bell housing of a 2003 ford explorer?

Question

I have a 2003 ford explorer and I recently had the transmission rebuilt. When I collected the truck I noticed a small amount of oil/transmission fluild around the black rubber plug on the bell housing on the transmission and upon closer examination I found that the rubber plug was damaged(it had a hole in it). Should I be concerned? Should I take the truck back for them to replace this plug?

Answer 1

that plug is there to keep dirt out and also if heat builds up too much, it will blow the plug out, it acts something like a freeze plug in a motor. or if theres no regular inspection plate, it could be it.

Answer 2

IT SHOULD  BE  PLUGGED ASAP, IT KEEPS OUT DIRT AND GRIME FROM YUR FLY WHEEL AND DIRT WILL WEAR IT OUT FAST,,,,!

YOU CAN MAKE A PLUG FROM SILICIONE RUBBER OR JUST GO TO A JUNK YARD AND GET ONE CHEAPLY

Answer 3

The plug is there so it can be removed and the torque converter and flex plate can be more easily examined. The part should have been replaced if it was damaged, and it is not unreasonable to go back and ask that they replace it. If the hole in it looks like it just wore through, then its defective, if it looks like it may have been drilled through, then it is probably to allow fluid to drain that would otherwise sit and collect in the bell housing.