Transfer Case Leak

[jsmarine]

Got a leak coming from my transfer case, I believe it is coming from where the front drive shaft connects to the transfer case. Although it could be coming from the bottom of the T-Case near the skid, or it could be leaking from both places too. It is a pretty substantial leak in my opinion as it has left a 6" wet spot on the concrete and you can see where the oil sprayed on the cross-member and fuel tank skid.

Anyone experienced anything like this? Or have any idea about how I should go about in fixing it? Just wanted to get some advice before I started pulling things apart, I do not want to make anything worse nor pull the transfer case if I don't have to.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Looks like a leaky oil seals on the front DS flange (duh). There are a couple pages in the FSM on replacing these, also has the exploded view of them. It doesn't look like you will have to pull the whole case.

Looks annoying, but do-able. Not dealer work.

 

[brian2sun]

Yip, it's your t-case front output seal. You don't have to pull the t-case or anything. It took about 30 minutes. But if you can, get the part in hand when you go to the parts store because there are 2 different types and I went on a wild goose chase trying to find the right one for mine. I needed about a quart to top off the t-case too.

 

[jsmarine]

Yip, it's your t-case front output seal. You don't have to pull the t-case or anything. It took about 30 minutes. But if you can, get the part in hand when you go to the parts store because there are 2 different types and I went on a wild goose chase trying to find the right one for mine. I needed about a quart to top off the t-case too.

Good to hear, thanks for the advice!

 

[Mr. Leary]

This would be a good time to make sure that all of your breathers are extended. This leak is probably from wear, but you should check the color of your case fluid soon... since its leaking coincided with the "High Water Mark" trip. You may have some water in there or a plugged breather that caused the seal to blow.

 

[4runner_kid]

Might as well drain the fluid and use all new fluid in the transfercase and transmission while your at it.

 

[jsmarine]

This would be a good time to make sure that all of your breathers are extended. This leak is probably from wear, but you should check the color of your case fluid soon... since its leaking coincided with the "High Water Mark" trip. You may have some water in there or a plugged breather that caused the seal to blow.

hahaha, I figured you might say that. Seeing as how I told you not long ago, that I thought raising breathers was unnecessary since they are a one way valve. I think I might eat my words on that one.

But again, like you said, its probably from wear, I do have over 200k plus miles on my 4runner.

But...I may just buy the union fitting for the diffs while at the dealer and raise my breathers, all of them! just in case...:hiding:

 

[Nelsonmd]

Brian, did you have to replace both seals, or just (the larger or the smaller)? It looks from the manual like it is similar to the rear axle seals where you have to pound it in. If that is the case, I would get 2 in case you mess one up.

 

[brian2sun]

Brian, did you have to replace both seals, or just (the larger or the smaller)? It looks from the manual like it is similar to the rear axle seals where you have to pound it in. If that is the case, I would get 2 in case you mess one up.

Mine just tapped in pretty easily with a rubber mallet. I just did the front output seal only. IIRC, the other one you're referring to is just a dust cover which I must have reused.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Mine just tapped in pretty easily with a rubber mallet. I just did the front output seal only. IIRC, the other one you're referring to is just a dust cover which I must have reused.

Yeah, here's the pic that shows 2

I am guessing you replaced the larger one and reused the smaller one? Sounds like it was much easier than the axle seal. That's good.

 

[brian2sun]

Well that pic says both seals are non-resuasable parts, but I only did one seal (which would be the larger one behind the flange). i guess I shoulda done both but that was about a year ago and it's good still, no leaks.

 

[J-money$$$]

This would be a good time to make sure that all of your breathers are extended. This leak is probably from wear, but you should check the color of your case fluid soon... since its leaking coincided with the "High Water Mark" trip. You may have some water in there or a plugged breather that caused the seal to blow.

Any chance you know where this breather is, i am pretty sure the t-case doesn't have one, or its connected to the trans.. I have never found mine

 

[KellyJ]

Any chance you know where this breather is, i am pretty sure the t-case doesn't have one, or its connected to the trans.. I have never found mine

I thought I read somewhere that the front breather is already pretty high up somewhere in the engine bay? And that you only gotta really mess with the rear breather if you do a lot of water crossings?

 

[J-money$$$]

I thought I read somewhere that the front breather is already pretty high up somewhere in the engine bay? And that you only gotta really mess with the rear breather if you do a lot of water crossings?

I have filled with my t-case with water before. It was some deep water that i was driving in, but still. I know mine doesnt have a breather in the engine bay

 

[DH4Runner]

I'm interested to know how the fix went for you JS. Mine looks the same way.

Thanks

 

[Mr. Leary]

Any chance you know where this breather is, i am pretty sure the t-case doesn't have one, or its connected to the trans.. I have never found mine

No t case breather. Transmission breather extends into engine bay.

Jeff, plumb them into your snorkel. I can show you how I did mine if you have any questions.

Sorry, gents. Had a long post explaining things of cosmic significance, but it got munched and I don't feel like typing it over again. Included in it were all the answers to the world's problems. Sadly, these answers will have to wait until I feel insprired to pen another articulate post. Most likely the answers will be lost forever after I consume tasty adult beverages this evening. :flipoff:












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[J-money$$$]

No t case breather. Transmission breather extends into engine bay.

Jeff, plumb them into your snorkel. I can show you how I did mine if you have any questions.

for some reason i think the manual trans doesnt have it, or else mine fell off. I cant remember last time i pulled the trans, but ill be doing it in a few weeks, Ill find out then

 

[Mr. Leary]

for some reason i think the manual trans doesnt have it, or else mine fell off. I cant remember last time i pulled the trans, but ill be doing it in a few weeks, Ill find out then

Manual transmission breather is on top of the casing near the shifter. Most easily accessed from the top after removing the boot.

 

[jsmarine]

I'm interested to know how the fix went for you JS. Mine looks the same way.

Thanks

I will be sure to post up how it goes, I wont be able to get to it until this weekend though. I am still waiting on my starter contacts, should be here tomorrow.

So for now, Im driving my girlfriends Ford Explorer.

 

[brian2sun]

No t case breather. Transmission breather extends into engine bay.

for some reason i think the manual trans doesnt have it, or else mine fell off. I cant remember last time i pulled the trans, but ill be doing it in a few weeks, Ill find out then

I have never been able to find a breather for my t-case or auto tranny. I only have one breather tube in my engine bay and it goes to my front diff.