leaking transfer case, is this common?

[kwedberg]

96 4x4 auto with 115k miles. My transfer case has started to leak fluid at the rear gasket. I checked the shaft and it does not appear to be leaking there, only at the gasket. I attempted to check the bolts for tightness, however you cannot access the two bottom ones without lowering the transfer case. Any ideas on what this will cost at a repair shop to have replaced? Is this common on this model, or if i fix it, will it be good for another 100k?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Here's some news for you... .

I'm not sure which bolts you are looking at... . but you can get at nearly every bolt on the entire transfer case with it still in the truck... . just pull down that POS skid plate... . plenty o' room.



As for a gasket... you'll only find one gasket in the whole mess... . inbetween the transmission tailshaft and the input of the transfer case... . sometimes you don't even see one there. The whole thing is sealed up with a bead of RTV... . nothing more, nothing less.



When you take apart a transfer case... you'll be disappointed... there isn't much high-tech in there... . and it's all sealed up with RTV.



You might be able to drain it..... clean up the leaking spot with 'Brake-Kleen'... let it dry... . then apply some RTV on the outside... . let that cure up real nice... refill and try it out.



HTH,



Matt

 

[kwedberg]

thanks holeshot. i will give that a try

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Be sure to let us know how it all works out for you.....



Matt

 

[FFL8N]

I too have a leak coming from the rear of my transfer case. It appears to be coming from the drive shaft area. Is this possible, and if so, is that where the seal is?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

yeah, that sounds like the transfer case rear output shaft seal... . not tough to change and pretty cheap.



Pull the 4 bolts on the rear shaft/rear joint straps... . slide the shaft out of the transfer case output shaft housing... . take old seal out..... and zip it all back together.



Be sure to check the fluid level, or even change it out... . it's not tough, and your x-fer case will love you! (use regular old dexron/mercon ATF... . Chrysler type-7176 transmission fluid isn't necessary)



Matt

 

[bighammer]

Mine's been leaking since my clutch install. Sort of a slow drip making just a small spot in the garage, but it's gotten much worse this week or so. (big spot) It's leaving the small spots everywhere I park for any length of time. Oh well, glad it's an easy fix.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

it's really easy... . shouldn't take you more than 1/2 hour... . that's very conservative.



Matt