Transfer Case Leak

Hi all, haven't been here in a while. This morning I backed my truck out and went back into the garage for something. I noticed a fresh oil spot on the floor, too far back to be coming from the engine. I immediately suspected the center diff, and sure enough, it seems to be leaking pretty badly from the drain. I'm not sure if that's the only place it's leaking, but there's an accumulation under the bolt.

I took the truck in for its 10K service in June (it's at 11,600 now), and I remember climbing under the truck to look things over afterward. I didn't see anything dripping at the time. I don't see the transfer case oil on the list of things to check at the 10K service, so I don't know that the dealership would have caused this.

This looks like a pretty bad leak to me. My plan for after work:

1. Get some fresh t-case oil
2. Check the fluid level and top off
3. Check torque on the drain bolt and tighten if needed
4. Clean up the area so that I can see where it's coming from in future

Basically I don't want to take it to the dealer if it's as simple as tightening the bolt. Any other thoughts? Anyone seen this happening on such a low-mileage truck? Pic:

 

I honestly would not mess with it, i would take it to the dealer. Plus I think the transfer case oil is a toyota only product that's like $50 a quart

 

I took my 2017 TRD O/R in two weeks ago for the 10K service. During the service, they found that my rear diff is leaking/seaping, (my Tacoma is not on the recall list). They also found a small leak at the transfer case as well. They took photos of both areas, called Toyota to report the issues and completed the 10K service.

I was advised that Toyota said it was ok for me to continue to drive until the parts for both come in, 2-3 months. They wrote it all up including what Toyota said and handed me the keys. The service manager asked that I come in every 2-3 weeks until the parts come in for them to check things out though...

 

Hm, the manual says to use 75W "Transfer Gear Oil or equivalent." Not sure what would constitute an equivalent, but I'll research it. Even if I take it to the dealer, it will probably be a week before they can give me an appointment (usually takes that long), so I don't want to drive around with low fluid in the t-case. It seems like a pretty simple thing to check at least (remove upper bolt, check level with finger).

 

Yeah I wouldn't expect it to be a safety issue unless most of the fluid leaked out. But I'm curious--what parts did they order for the transfer case? Was yours leaking around the drain? The more I look at that picture, the less I'm convinced it's just the drain bolt. There are drip pools forming on the skid plate on either side of the bolt, and there's oil all over the shifter motor, too. I'll have to crawl back under and see how far up the oil is spread.

 

Just as a supplement, since I'm thinking about it: I last took the truck off-roading in July. I did about 12-15 miles in 4WD on a rough BLM forest road. I didn't go very fast, and there was nothing particularly challenging about the road. I checked under the truck afterward and didn't spot a leak then, either.

 

pretty sure it's been looked into and 'yota are the only ones providing that spec of fluid. and iirc it's like $70/qt or something crazy, and you need 1.1qts! lol

 

Exactly, I remember searching for an equivalent before and not being able to locate any.

 

I was told that the transfer case and rear diff both needed new gasket/seals...the new seals are on back order and both issues will be addressed at same time for me when they are in. When they showed me the leak at the T-case, the leak was very minor and seamed to be coming from the same place as depicted in your photo...

 

Fuck me....2-3 months for parts. Toyota is fucked. I'd expect that from a boutique motorcycle manufacturer like MV Agusta or Moro Guzzi......from one of the largest oems in the world...inexcusable.

 

Time frame is ridiculous on getting parts for the new trucks.

 

3rd gen transfer cases don't take 75W90 gear oil like the 1st and 2nds did? Did they switch to something different?

 

They switched in 2014 to Toyota 75LF, expensive stuff.

 

ah, lame.

 

You can use Royal Purples Synchromax. Otherwise you have to use Toyota LF type fluid. Rumor has it if you use anything else like mobile 1 gear oil the phosphate level is high and it will possible cause the copper and brass bushings in the transfer case to deteriorate.

 

The transfer case oil is synthetic 75w90 like the front and rear differentials, nothing special about it!

 

Gotta love it.

 

I found this article by a shop that specializes in toyota repairs in MN. They say there's no equivalent available, but don't spell out what's different about it. http://carspecmn.com/toyota-and-lex...alized-transfer-case-and-differential-fluids/

 

Duuuuuude.....

I just went through this exact same thing!

My taco was flawless for 10k miles....took it in for the 10k service and a week later my transfer case was leaking from the shaft seal! ( This was just last week)

I took it to the dealer on saturday, they treated me great, gave me a Camry and had my truck back to me on monday.

10k service coincidence?

 

Yeah now you are seeing some of the issues popping up. It takes time and miles sometimes!