Bell Housing Cracks?

[Hambone]

I was recently under the truck to replace the brakes and noticed what appear to be cracks in the bell housing. Can anyone confirm if these are an issue or are just superficial cracks in an exterior coating? I can feel portions of them as raised metal and am concerned I'm just shy of a catastrophic breakdown. Thanks in advance.


I should have made mention of the vehicle specs: it's a 2011 SR5 with 135,000 miles mild modifications like a front bumper, 2.5" lift, and 33" tires.

 

[4runr4eva]

I am not a metallurgist so take this with caution. From the looks of it, the cracks seems to be superficial. Maybe just the paint/coating is cracking. Now with that said, I would still bring it to a trusted mechanic for a once over, unless others can chime in that it is normal. I've never heard of a bell housing catastrophically failing, but it may be good to play it safe. Good luck OP.

 

[CavPro]

casting process items=nothing

 

[Soneill]

casting process items=nothing

^^^^ This all day. It's from the casting process.

 

[DeathCougar]

They aren't cracks at all. Just raised ridges from the sand casting process.

 

[Hambone]

Thanks

^^^^ This all day. It's from the casting process.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Hambone]

Good to know!

 

[kjbenner]

Agreed with the others saying it's a cosmetic defect from casting.

If you're really worried, you can get crack detection kits that work with a penetrating dye and a developer so you can check.