New 2nd Gen Owner (Actuator Leak)

So I just stepped up to a 2012 4x4 DCSB AT TRD Sport with 149k miles from a 98 Taco. Just got it 2 days ago. I saw a leak from the actuator but the guy told me he had just switched it out and that's why there was fluid on the transfer case. From what I see, it's leaking from the seal. 4x4 works good though. Is this something I should be worried about?

Oh, and it need new CV axles. Everything else seems pretty good.

 

Sounds like you possibly got ripped off and fell for a lie. That being said, I’d clean up the area and wait a few days to see if any fluid shows up again.

 

I wouldn't say you got ripped off but maybe fell for a lie. I guess it's only a big deal if you want to use 4x4 and all your fluid has leaked out. It is a thicker type of oil so it will most likely be a slow leak, depending on the condition of the seal of course. As mentioned above, clean up the area, go for a drive and see if there's oil again.

Willy

 

Without knowing what he paid for the truck how do you know he got ripped off? I agree on your second comment, clean the area up and look back at it later to verify where the oil is coming from.

 

That's true, I don't know what he paid. Hopefully less than $20,000 USD. A truck like that would go for $26,000 CAD.

 

Thanks for the input. I paid 16,500. Worst thing would be removing and replacing the actuator correctly, right? It is a new part. It does leak a few drops overnight from the seal.

 

So I looked more into it. The previous owner might have not cleaned the surface prior to adding the silicone seal or didn't wait the recommended 24 hours before filling it with fluid. Looks like I have a new project on my hands.

 

Hey there, just wondering how you made out with this. I seem to be in the exact same situation.

 

All I did was remove the actuator, clean the surface and added new sealant. Looks like the previous owner didn't add any at all. All good now, no more leaks.

 

Great news! Thanks dude, just to be sure of the process you did... all you have to do unplug the vent hoze and electrical connection then loosen the 4 bolts holding the actuator on and it comes out? You then drained the gear oil and cleaned both surfaces, applied sealant to the face of the actuator and put on and torqued bolts down, then let dry for 24h before adding the oil.

Thanks again

 

That's pretty much it. There's not many YouTube videos out there but you got the idea. I have a 6" lift and the new cross member is in the way so it was very tight but I still managed.

 

Right! Yes all I can find are videos of people soldering the motor inside the actuator haha, thanks again man, ill post up my hopfull sucess.