1996 4runner - transfer case seep

[tek9]

Hello,

I've recently obtained a fair condition 1996 4runner sr5 (auto, rear locker) and I've been lurking the forum for a bit. I've done some basic maintenance myself (air filter, cleaned maf and throttle body, fuel filter, front o2 sensor, lubed driveshaft). I've notice a seep from the rear of the transfer case. It forms a drop of oil but never actually leaves a spot on the garage floor. I was looking into FSM (sadly I only have the one from 2002 and the transfer case looks a bit different). Can someone please take a look and help? Is it something I can fix myself?

 

[tek9]

went to dealership - they told me it's just a plug with an o-ring. mechanic found it surprising that it's leaking from there (as there are no moving parts). suggested to check breather (cause if it's stuck it may be creating a pressure and causing that o-ring to leak). Checked the breather - it's moving and doesn't seem stuck. replaced the o-ring on the plug - it's still leaking... :/ the plug itself doesn't seem damaged in any way.... any ideas?

 

[tek9]

bump :/

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Sometimes those T-Case leaks are hard to nail down. It may look like it's coming from one spot, but in reality it's dripping down from another.

One thing you might try is to ask your mechanic of choice if they can add a UV dye to your T-Case fluid. Then you drive around for a week or so and go back to the mechanic, where they shine a UV light around the T-Case and see where the dye shows up.

There will be no doubt about where the leak is coming from.

Otherwise, my advice would be to clean the hell out of it with some brake cleaner and a brush, then power wash. Then check it every time you drive until you can pinpoint the leak.