Transfer Case Fill/Drain - Crush Washer vs Flat Washer

[TLGG]

Probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway...

I took my truck in to have the fluids changed (front/rear diff, transfer case, transmission, etc). I provided OEM gaskets/washers for the fill/drain plugs.

When I got home and did an inventory of what I had left I noticed that the flat washers for the transfer case had not been used. It looks like the service tech instead used two of the excess crush washers which were purchased for the front/rear diff.

Any reason to be concerned? It doesn't look to be leaking.

 

[thegipper]

If it's not leaking, I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep an eye on it for the next couple weeks.

 

[fourfive]

It'll be fine. I've done that on accident before due to working at night with poor lighting & grabbed the wrong washer.

 

[gamefreakgc]

I was under the impression that crush washers were better than flat in preventing leaks. That's why the fuel system only uses crush washers as gasoline is very thin and likes to leak.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I use aluminum or copper washers. Never been a problem. If it’s good enough for the Toyota brake system and my Ninja it’s good enough with me.


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[Devbot]

No need to mess with it if you don't feel like it. The washer's job is to prevent a leak, which it's doing fine. I'm willing to bet there's at least a couple different options out there that fit and not just those from Toyota themselves

I was under the impression that crush washers were better than flat in preventing leaks. That's why the fuel system only uses crush washers as gasoline is very thin and likes to leak.

Sounds correct to me - they're rounded on one side to crush into place and have a "perfect fit" in a way, which is also why they're not reusable
To that effect gear oil is a hell of a lot thicker than gasoline! It usually takes a pretty decent hole for gear oil to seep out anyways. No need to worry

 

[TLGG]

Thanks everyone for your input. As advised, I am not going to sweat it.

 

[pluton]

If you use a new fiber/graphite washer, make it extra tight on first use. My rear diff leaked a few drops on the driveway after driving because I didn't tighten the new fiber washer on the fill hole enough. Went back and snugged it up, no more seepage.