Opinion on dreaded transfer case leak - 2005 V8

[pgellers]

Hi-

New member here (just posted in the new member forum as well - pics of truck there).

I'm picking up a 2005 SE V8 on Monday. Great truck but the transfer case is leaking (this was negotiated in the sale). I've read about this problem at length here and elsewhere.

I just wanted to post some photos and get your opinions on whether it is the actuator seal that is leaking or possibly the output flange? I will take it to some shops as well but always nice to have some thoughts from educated folks first. Since I don't have it yet I can't crawl under to get more pics until Monday.
Thanks for any input!

Paul

 

[aha2988]

If your uncertain of where the leak is originating, hit the transfer case with some degreaser and drive for a while.

Theres no real issue here, as long as its not pissing fluid your fine. Just be sure to add a bit here and there until you get the seal replaced.

I believe [MENTION=68704]superman3043[/MENTION] has replaced his T-case output shaft seal. He may be able to give to some heads up info on the replacement process.

Also Welcome to the forum! saw the intro thread, nice runner!

 

[CAN-03runner]

On mine it was output shaft seal... the way it was leaking it looked like it was seeping from the bolt hole.

Very cheap repair, hasn't leaked since. I don't even think much fluid will leaked when it was opened to replace the seal.

But you need to get it nice and clean and dry and watch where it starts to seep out first.

 

[superman3043]

All the info I have regarding the T-Case seals toward the end of this post. Hope it helps.

 

[Sungod]

Where did all that orange RTV come from?

 

[pgellers]

Thanks all for your replies....I certainly hope it is one of the "cheaper" leaks but I have factored in being otherwise. Once I get it I will be degreasing and watching for the source of the leak.

Loved the pic of the 4x4 Camry in that one link above, Superman! Priceless!

sungod- Looking at pics of other V8 4Runner t-cases on the web the orange sealant seems to be on all of them. I know my T-100 also has some. I just assumed that was factory goo?

Attached a couple pics of the truck's topsides....excited to get her home...

 

[aha2988]

Where did all that orange RTV come from?

sungod- Looking at pics of other V8 4Runner t-cases on the web the orange sealant seems to be on all of them. I know my T-100 also has some. I just assumed that was factory goo?

It is factory, they don't use a paper gasket on these seals such as they do on the rear axle third member seal. I will say in your pics though the RTV sealant seems excessive as if the case has been opened since factory assembly.

I would assume the truck has experience a common issue of either A.) the 4wd Lo actuator seizing or B.) the center diff lock actuator seizing. Both of these need to be turned on and "exercised" so to say or they can oxidize and lock up causing the actuator to become stuck when you go to engage the center diff lock or switch to 4wd lo. Its a common issue because there are lot of 4runner owners that never use the 4wd or center diff lock. My actuator for my center diff lock has seized on mine (probably due to moisture in the t-case from me submerging it in so many mud/water holes.) but the last time i went wheeling I couldnt get it to engage so i figure its seized up on me. You have to take the case apart to fix the issue.

 

[pgellers]

Thanks Austin. It goes from 4hi to Lo quickly which is good. I will definitely be exercising this and the center diff lock thanks to the many warnings here.

What gets me is how silly it is that we moved from actual manual levers to control all this (as in the several toy trucks and 4runner i've owned in the past) To something that is automated but prone to failure. Not progress in my book.

 

[Sungod]

It is factory, they don't use a paper gasket on these seals such as they do on the rear axle third member seal. I will say in your pics though the RTV sealant seems excessive as if the case has been opened since factory assembly.

That is by no means factory work. That is way too sloppy. It looks like someone was trying to stop a leak with Orange RTV.

 

[46runner]

Where did all that orange RTV come from?

I have a 2004 V8 SR5 and see the same orange RTV. Wondered the same. I'm glad to someone else has it too

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That is by no means factory work. That is way too sloppy. It looks like someone was trying to stop a leak with Orange RTV.

I don't like the squiggly portion in one of the pictures, but that's how they look from the factory these days. You see a lot of excess squish out when they assemble them.

 

[Sungod]

I don't like the squiggly portion in one of the pictures, but that's how they look from the factory these days. You see a lot of excess squish out when they assemble them.

I accept that from the US made products, but no self respecting Japanese assembler would ever let something leave like that.

 

[superman3043]

I think [MENTION=65653]aha2988[/MENTION] just meant that it looks like Toyota sealant, which it does. It's quite possible that the thing has been dealer serviced at some point. Could explain it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I accept that from the US made products, but no self respecting Japanese assembler would ever let something leave like that.

Maybe they cut out the position of "Excess Sealant Removal Specialist" to save money? I am just saying that I see a lot of Toyota Transaxles and transfercases with factory Orange FIPG with that much excess, so it could be factory and/or resealed at some point, but based on how even it looks (except for that one squiggly part) it could be factory.