T-Case: Too Much Gear Oil

[michael90630]

I just changed all the gear oils of front and rear differentials and transfer case in my 2007 V6 4WD T4R. The oil capacities of each are available in the User Manual and PDF Repair Manuals and for both front and rear diff. the amount was correct.

However, when I opened up the fill-plug of the Transfer case, a lot of oil started pouring out. My vehicle was on a level/flat surface. This did not happen for either the front or rear diffs. I have purchased this vehicle less than a year ago and all these fluids are factory-filled. Almost a cup of used T-case gear-oil came out. The oil capacity is 1.5 U.S. quarts and that's exactly the amount I poured in when it started to seep out - which typically should be the correct level. I drove a few miles in 4WD mode to get the gear-oils a little bit hot before beginning this service.

Is this normal? Did anyone experience T-case gear-oil coming out of the fill-plug? Why would Toyota over-fill the T-case from the factory? I did not try to match the total amount that came out - (maybe I could have if I had tilted the vehicle on the back with some jack-stands) and therefore pumped in exactly (1.5 quarts).

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I noted the same thing on my '07. I don't know that it was a full cups worth but it sure came out I just assumed that the t-cases were filled prior to installation or that the assembly line has some funky cant at the t-case filling station. It also convinced me that the PDI was lame. Or maybe the PDI was fine and the body angle on the lift allowed the PDI tech to put in more fluid. I don't think it's anything to worry about... :cheers:

 

[michael90630]

CJ3Flyr

Thanx ...

What is PDI?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: CJ3Flyr

What is PDI?

Pre-delivery inspection... The dealer is supposed to check all kinds of things ranging from tire pressure to radio functions and including fluid levels. It actually a pretty comprehensive inspection.

 

[jrs2]

Same thing happened to me the first time I changed the t-case fluid on my '90, years ago.

 

[Kmvreter]

This didn't happen on my '04 but it doesn't surprise me. This would be filled at the T-case manufacturer plant, not on the final assembly line. Also, I wouldn't bet a penny that the stealership techs check the hard to reach fluids during PDI where they have to use a wrench. In fact, I know for a fact they don't, unless you know of a very committed stealer.