Front End Fluid Leak Transmission/Transfer Case?

[IrieRider]

Well, 84k and having my first issue. Have an extended warranty from Toyota for another 9 months, but you know they’ll probably fight it so like to bring as much knowledge as possible to the table. Wondering if anyone can give a rough idea of where it might becoming from based on this photo, will try and get deeper in photos but its dumping rain here in the PNW.

Past week or so its had a super slight shudder at 25 mph, but only sometimes. If i go very slow or relatively quick id isnt there. Might be un related about to get my 2nd tire rotation on new AT4w tires so could be a balance issue, but this is still here. Seems very slow as I havent seen drips and didnt notice it when i do my 4mo/5k oil changes, but who knows if im just dumb and didnt see it.

If you saw this what else would you look for, what would be your conclusion, and what other photos could I post here before entering the Stealership?

Thanks a ton!!

 

[jp.vegas]

That's the wrong color for it to be transmission fluid.

 

[IrieRider]

So you would be able to see the color easily there? So youre thinking this is dripping engine oil from above?

 

[02SE]

Without being there to inspect it in person, it appears the leak is manifesting from between the transfer case and transmission. I suspect it's the oil seal on the transfer case input shaft.

But not being able to see the entire area, and not having checked the gear oil level in the transfer case, it's not possible to say definitively.

Since you have a warranty, take it to a dealer and ask them to diagnose and fix the issue.

Let us know what they find.

 

[jp.vegas]

So you would be able to see the color easily there? So youre thinking this is dripping engine oil from above?

In general, yes. The Toyota transmission fluid is dyed red, as are most aftermarket ones too. I don't even see a hint of anything but "standard" tan/brown lubricant color that is used in the transfer case or the engine so I'd suspect it's from the input seal as the poster above me noted. At least that's where I'd look first.

Of course no on can tell anything without seeing it or tearing it down so off to the dealership you go since it's under warranty.

 

[IrieRider]

No, definitely thank you for the heads up. It’s just one of those things to wear. The dealership literally is saying they need 24 to 48 hours for diagnostic and that they do offer paid for loaner cars, but their first come first serve basis. And this is my only vehicle and have kids and work and all that stuff so I won’t be able to get anything in there until spring break.

So I’m just trying to absolutely make sure that I have as much knowledge as possible. I’ve had tons of bad experiences many years ago dealing with jeep warranty and jeep dealership so I just wanna make sure that I’m going in there as well equipped as possible.

I know this is a total idiot question and you can blame my father for never teaching me anything about vehicles. What fluid is leaking here if it is that front input? I actually have some time today and it’s not pouring rain in the Pacific Northwest so I am going to get under there and kind of see what’s going on. I have to do my oil change in a few hundred miles anyway and do all the driveshaft greasing.

A lot of my search up on this one says this is normally something that comes up coincidentally after the warranty is up but have an extended warranty. I’m hoping I can get anything diagnosed and solved before my seven year warrenty Expiration is up in September.

 

[5thToy]

Without being there to inspect it in person, it appears the leak is manifesting from between the transfer case and transmission. I suspect it's the oil seal on the transfer case input shaft.

^ this

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Input seal on transfer case. I’ve done this job myself and it’s about 2 hours out and 2 hours in, plus 1/2 hour to replace the seal. I use Mobil Delvac 75w90 synthetic. There are DIY YouTube videos covering transfer case removal and install. There is one bolt on top driver’s side that’s a long reach with 2’ to 3’ of socket extensions.

 

[jp.vegas]

...
I know this is a total idiot question and you can blame my father for never teaching me anything about vehicles. What fluid is leaking here if it is that front input? I actually have some time today and it’s not pouring rain in the Pacific Northwest so I am going to get under there and kind of see what’s going on. I have to do my oil change in a few hundred miles anyway and do all the driveshaft greasing...

Lol, my father is a surgeon, he knows nothing about vehicles but he did teach me to drive on a manual shift car so I can thank him for that.

If it is the transfer case input seal, the fluid present would be gear oil that lives in the transfer case. 75W-90 viscosity to be exact.