Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 4x4 transfer case leaking

[Big Wheel]

Have a 2002 3500 4x4 auto. I notsed a leek at the end of the case where the rear drive shaft enters it.

I was wondering if there was any way to check the fluid level in it.

The delar cant get to it until next week and i didnt want to drive it if the fluid was low. It looks like red autotrans fluid leaking out.

 

[Pit Bull]

Here is what the service manual states.

Lubricant leaking from output shaft seal or vent.

1- Transfer case over filled - drain lubricant to the correct level.

2- Vent closed or restricted - Clear or replace vent as necessary. (does not show where this vent is located?)

3- Output shaft seals damaged or installed incorrectly - Replace seal.



When your laying under your truck looking towards the front of the truck at the transfer case, you will see the ID tag on the transfer case. the bolt under the ID tag is the fill plug. The bolt below that and to the left is the drain plug. The fluid used in the transfer case is Mopar Dexron III, or ATF+3, type 7176. Correct fluid fill level for the transfer case is to the bottom edge of the fill plug hole. Make sure that the truck is level when checking the fill level. Tighten fill plug back at 30-40 ft. lbs.



I would suggest that you check the ATF level in the transfer case and if it is over filled you will know it when you open the plug. If it is low then I would think you need a new seal. I would top it off and drive it (keep an eye on it) then take it into the dealer for the warranty repair after the holliday.

Good luck.

 

[Pit Bull]

By the way Big Wheel, you have a nice truck

 

[Mactruck]

Check out this post.

I have had this problem for a long time. I finally fixed it only to find out later that it is now coming through the yolk. New seal is dry.

#@$%! Yes I am mad as heck. If you think it's from the seal bring it to the dealer. He charges $32 clams for the part.

 

[azcummins]

do it yourself

big wheel-

listen to mactruck. Mine was doing the same thing and I took it to the dealer and got a new seal. $300 later it was still leaking. Mactruck stepped in and told me about the right seal. I got it from the dealer for $40 and got it in under 1/2 hour. No leaks and best of all, I changed the fluid in my T-case which came out black and smelled bad.



If you lived closer, I'd do it for you. It isn't hard... avoid the dealer man, they'll charge you too much and probably stick you with the bad seal! :-{}

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: do it yourself

Originally posted by azcummins

big wheel-



... avoid the dealer man, they'll charge you too much and probably stick you with the bad seal! :-{}

AZ, checkout his signature. I think he is under warranty.

 

[BK]

I went through this too on my '99. .

had it to the dealer under warranty for it.

To get a seal NOT to leak they had to replace the yoke. . it was eating seals. . but since the dealer couldnt get just a yoke. . I got a whole new drive shaft assy... from the TCase to the rear axle.

 

[azcummins]

Heck if yours is under warranty then take it to the dealer. Be careful though that you don't think that the 100000 mi engine/drivetrain warranty applies to the T-case... it only applies to the motor. That is why I was stuck with the $300 bill @ 74k miles.

 

[BK]

azcummins, is right. . it's under the 36/36 basic factory warranty only - unless you bought an extended warranty that spefically includes the 4x4 parts

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by BK

azcummins, is right. . it's under the 36/36 basic factory warranty only - unless you bought an extended warranty that spefically includes the 4x4 parts

I just figured it was under 36K miles since it was a 2002?