Leaking Transfer Case - Ideas?

TeryT

TeryT

New member
Noticed a slight drip today coming out of my transfer case. Hard to tell, but I think it's leaking up where the black box (clutch servo perhaps?) connects to the case - so a seal perhaps? I've only had it in 4 low a few times, and not recently. Also had it off-roading last week, but didn't hit anything, and there are no marks whatsoever on the transfer case or that black box whatchama-call-it that's attached to it.

Thoughts?

(I'm looking at my Platinum warranty, and it appears that pretty much everything with the transfer case is is covered, including seals.)
 
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I can only tell ya what I know: there are 3 seals: the main input from the tranny and the 2 output seals for each driveshaft. These are the most common areas on transfer cases for leaks. Yours seems too early for this?

The black box is what they call the Shift Actuator assembly. I can
 
I would remove the transfer case fill plug with a cold engine. This will tell you if the case is overfilled. Nothing should spill out or at the most a small trickle.

If that breather was clogged, then one could imagine higher pressure in the case once the fluid is hot and expands. This could push the fluid out of the seals instead of venting properly?
 
OK, I wiped the thing off real well, got my wife's reading glasses (cuz I can't see things too close anymore) and took a closer look- see. It does appear like it's coming from the shift actuator seal, where it goes into the transfer case.

I then drove it around a little and rechecked, and small drop of oil reappeared. Also checked the oil level, and it's fine. So as I thought, this is a very small leak.

I'll take it in next week to see what they say. Funny, I've had little issues (traction control computer & tachometer going out) that no one else has had.

Am I just damn lucky or what!? :bonk:
 
Well I'm now driving a Camry loaner as the 4R is getting the shift actuator changed. They said the leak was coming right through the actuator!

Cost is $1,700 - Platinum warranty = $0 out of pocket.

So the $700 100k mile warranty has saved me:

$2,000 traction control computer & yaw sensor
1,500 new tachometer
1,700 new shift actuator

= $5,200 OH WHAT A FEELING!!!

Notice something? It's all electronic or electrical control related.

(BTW - That Toyota Platinum warranty came through one of our forum members)
 
Those are ridiculous prices. I have the exact same runner as you with no warrantee anymore. I will just have to keep my fingers crossed.
 
Yes, those prices are outa here! For instance, the traction control computer was a very simple looking board with a small processor on it.

A couple of us have thought these issues might have to do with the heat down here with the electronics - you may not have that problem (hopefully).
 
Got it back this afternoon. No one had ever seen one of those shift actuators leak like that (at least that's what they said).

Total bill: $1704 - all covered by extended Toyota Platinum warranty

My dad says I ought to sell the 4Runner before it goes off its 100k mile warranty in two years. I've got 35k miles to go, and if anything else goes haywire with it, I might have to consider it.

Even though I really love this SUV - most capable & fun vehicle I've owned in 30 years of driving - if I'd had to pay those $5,000 iin 3 repairs out of pocket, I'd not be a very happy camper!
 
If it is just a seal for the shift actuator, couldn't you drain the t-case, replace the seal, fill it back up and your done? Sounds simple enough (that's without looking under my 4Runner) All you would have to buy is the seal, oil, and a case of beer. Sounds cheap enough to me.
 
It's not that simple. Search "shift actuator" to find the threads that discuss the poor integral seal design and the expensive fix.
 
so what have other members done, fork out the money, sure somebody has found a quickie fix.

I really hate to fork out the money, ratherdeal with the drip.
 
Looking at buying an 04 V8 Limited with 86k miles, but am wondering if anyone could tell me if this is the dreaded transfer case leak (see attached). Should I stay clear? Or is it okay...Thanks!!!
 

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dgbull3 said:
Looking at buying an 04 V8 Limited with 86k miles, but am wondering if anyone could tell me if this is the dreaded transfer case leak (see attached). Should I stay clear? Or is it okay...Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

After all of the reading I have done on how our 4wd system works, I would stay away from any t4r leaking in the general area. Nothing in the trannsmission, or transfer case is cheap to fix. Unless of course its simply the seal. To diagnose that, I would have to see it in person.

However, if you dont mind checking the t-case periodicly, and are getting a really good deal with 86k miles, go for it. The leak looks like it has been leaking slowly over a period of time (It's not dripping).
 
I can't tell from the picture, but from my experience if the Tcase is leaking from the actuator seal, tcase fluid will roll down and drop off the bottom of the actuator box (black box). If the leak were active, you should find fluid. If it just looks a little dingy in that area, it's hard to tell what's going on.
 
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