Archived NV271 transfer case fluid leak

[fritzimax]

I am getting ready to tow my travel trailer on vacation from NY to FL in a few days, I was checking all my fluids only to find than the transfer case is low or empty and there is oil slung all over the underside of the truck. The oil was by the rear extension housing of the transfercase, the dust boot is dry rotted and cracked and I assume the seal is shot. My Question is the extension housing filled with fluid? Or is there another seal at the rear housing that may be leaking too? I am going to the dealer tomorrow to see if they can fix it ASAP, if not I need to get the parts to do it myself and I need all the help I can get. Does any one know the part numbers to the boot and the seal or seals? I looked at the Manual and it does not look to hard to replace. I f I do not get it fixed by Wednesday it looks like the family vacation will be canceled. I thank all those who reply, Pete (not a Happy Camper):{

 

[SRadke]

There is a gasket between the tail housing and the transfer case but from what you describe it's leaking from the seal around the driveshaft? That one is easy to replace and no, there is no seal between it and the main oil reservor of the transfer case.



To replace that seal you must first remove the driveshaft. Unbolt the carrier bearing bracket and the small clamps that hold the rear u-joint to the pinion. Then the shaft will slide right out of the transfer case and there should be a small amount of oil that dribbles out with it removed. You should be able to grab the steel lip of the seal and pull it out (back) with a pair of pliers or vice grips. Then clean it up (where the seal was) and tap the new seal in the hole. Some people put a thin coat of silicone on the outside of the seal before installing. This will assure no oil leaks arund the seal. Reinstall driveshaft, top off fluid level and be happy.



One question, is this on your 03? Why would a year and half old truck have a "dry rotted and cracked" seal?



-Scott

 

[fritzimax]

Thanks for the reply, and yes it is on my 03, with 15,200 miles. I don't know why the seal and dust boot failed so early. Pete

 

[Extreme1]

One other location for the leak could be at the driveshaft yolk. This is the part that slides into the transfer case. The splined hole was broached all the way through when it was made and there are a couple of different methods of sealing the hole.



On my '94 there is a steel plug pressed into the opening right under the u-joint. This plug is just like a frost plug in the block. If this was disturbed (maybe someone slide the shaft too far into the t-case during installation), it might be leaking around the plug. If this area is wet, the plug is the likely culprit. If not, it's the seal.

 

[ropinfool2]

This should be covered under your 7/70 warranty!! You haven't even exceeded your 3/36 bumper to bumper warranty!! Take it to the dealer and get it fixed for FREE!!!! John

 

[fritzimax]

Easier said than done, Truck went in today, do you think I got it back today NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO , I had the part ordered and it is in but they did not have enough time to fix it. They told me MAYBE TOMORROW:{ . I am on my way to FL in 2 day, but not if I don't have my truck.

 

[ropinfool2]

I would go down to the dealership and camp out at the Service Manager's door. Make sure you explain your situation to him/her, most times they will be accomodating. If they can't satisfy you, just take your business elsewhere next time. John

 

[fritzimax]

UPDATE, The trip to the Sunshine state looks like it might be canceled, it is Wednesday and still no truck. Called Dealer, they said they had to order a new yoke, should (key word Should) have the part tomorrow. I only have a week off if I do not leave on schedule there is no point in going and I can't change my vacation @ work. As it is we were planning on 2 days to get down and 2 days to get back that only gives us 5 days there. If I do not get he truck back by tomorrow then it looks like a quiet week @ home and we have to wait another year to get away. How can a truck that is 1 1/2 years old and has only 15200 miles on her need a new transfer case output shaft seal and a new yoke??? I just don't know:{

 

[SRadke]

Sorry to hear that. Could have been some kind of defect in the yoke that caused the seal to go bad. At least it's getting fixed right and thanks for the update.



-Scott

 

[fritzimax]

UPDATE 2,well after some fighting the dealer was able to fix my truck, they said they took a part from another vehicle. But it does not look that way (not a speck of rust on the yoke) but they got it fixed ++++ Only problem the transfer case was leaking, you would think they would top of the ATF+4 fluid after the repair, well no, I checked it and had to add a pint to top it off------. But at least my vacation is going as planned, I towed my camper from NY to Fl and we are doing the Disney thing. Thanks to those who replied. Pete

 

[SRadke]