Need Advice - Transfer Case weeping? See Photo!

[Hammer0313]

I have a 2019 with 32k miles; I was doing my Utah/Road trip maintenance and noticed were the driveshaft come out of the Transfer Case there is a little drop of oil. It’s not dripping on the ground but it’s there.
I’m leaving for the Grand Canyon/Utah on Tuesday and need some input on what this could be? I’m in the Florida/Georgia area so round trip is usually 5.5-6k miles. I’ll be off grid for about 25 days and don’t need to get stranded.
Any Help is greatly appreciated.

 

[lewdog998]

I would get it checked BEFORE your trip as it is under the 36k mile warranty. They can at least document it and get it covered, even if you wait to return. Its likely just a seal.

But don't wait till the warranty is up.

 

[JLTD]

1 drip could be anything; but agree with getting it documented. Assuming you won't get it fixed prior, I'd carry a quart of TC fluid just in case the leak gets worse.

Also - worst case, figure out which dealer you will take it to at each point in your trip.

 

[Islabellefisher]

I had the exact same thing happen on my 2018 at ~22k last summer. Looked identical to your picture. Toyota replaced the transfer case rear driveshaft seal (rear output seal) under warranty.
I believe there is another thread detailing this problem and fix. Best of luck!

 

[02SE]

It looks like the rear output seal is leaking a bit. I'd call your local Toyota dealer tomorrow morning, and see if they can fix it immediately. It's not a hard job at all. It shouldn't take more than a half hour if the tech is competent.

It's not too likely to start losing lots of gear oil, But I'd want it fixed before a long road trip if it were me.

The VF2A T-case has been used by Toyota for decades. I had the same T-case in my '97 4Runner. You can use any 75w90, which the '97 was speced for.

Of course your '19 specs Toyota's special 75 gear oil for a fraction more MPG. But the components inside the T-case haven't changed.

 

[rightyouareken]

I would get it checked BEFORE your trip as it is under the 36k mile warranty. They can at least document it and get it covered, even if you wait to return. Its likely just a seal.

But don't wait till the warranty is up.

I think it should be covered under the 5yr/60k mile powertrain warranty, so it shouldn't be a super urgent thing to get documented I wouldn't think.

But I would at least pull the fill plug and make sure it's topped off before the trip.

 

[Hammer0313]

Solid advice, thanks you very much.

 

[Jeremy556]

Wipe it off and see if it comes back.

Worst case it is the output seal, which even not under warranty is a $12 part and 15 minute install.

 

[Hammer0313]

Fixed under warranty first thing this morning; pulled in before 6am to get that first spot. Had the rig back by 9am. Thanks again for all the good advice.

 

[02SE]

Fixed under warranty first thing this morning; pulled in before 6am to get that first spot. Had the rig back by 9am. Thanks again for all the good advice.

Glad you got it fixed quickly. It likely wouldn't have started leaking profusely, but you never know. It's one last thing to worry about during what sounds to be a great trip.

I fixed quite a few of those rear output seals on VF1A and VF2A T-cases back in the day. No big deal, and it likely won't leak again.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Fixed under warranty first thing this morning; pulled in before 6am to get that first spot. Had the rig back by 9am. Thanks again for all the good advice.

It’s good that you got it done to your satisfaction. I was poking around the TIS repair manual online recently and it’s interesting what Toyota considers a failed seal. They show photos of what they consider normal and what is in need of repair. It’s normal to have some seepage that collects some dirt and dust. But if it’s a drip, like yours, that needs repair.

 

[the_economist]

Related thread here. This is a known 5th gen issue on some percentage of T cases: Transfer Case Leak

 

[JLTD]

Glad it's fixed before your trip....now you can enjoy with no worries!

 

[Hammer0313]

Transmission fluid service notification at 34K miles?

Ok guys, i’m out west in Arizona and Utah hitting the trails and I got this service transmission fluid notification from the forerunner’s on board computer. This seems a little premature to me considering it has just over 34K miles. I’m not too hard on this thing but I’m not delicate on it either, i’m definitely not heavy on the pedal in my daily driving. Cruising down the highway I’m usually running 77, and this is only my second trip with it out west.
I usually do my transmission fluid changes at around 30-40K miles, so I was planning on doing this when I got back from vacation. So the question is, do you think The fluid can handle another 3K? Second question is has anyone seen a transmission fluid service notification at 34K miles?