Transfer case leak!?! *PICS* Help!

I have a '98 Taco V6 4x4 that I've had for less than a week.

Well today I noticed 2 drops of oil under the truck every time I had it parked for a half hour or more. There was always 2 drops a bit bigger than a quarter. I looked under the truck and noticed that the transfer case was covered in oil. *SEE PICS BELOW*

It seems to cover the lower section of the transfer case and partially back towards where it joins the transmission. It's a dark oil as you can see. I have the trucked park now so I don't do any damage just in case the oil is low. However, it's shifting into 4WD and driving fine, and also driving in 2wd fine (aside from some sputtering when under load at 3K+ which is a suspected bad O2 sensor).

Does any one have any opinions as to what my trouble is? Seal, multiple seals? I'm hoping it's not the whole transfer case being screwed! If it's the seals, what kind of labor time is involved in getting them replaced as well as approximate cost of the seals.

On a another related note, does anyone know where I can download/buy a '98 Taco service manual?

Thanks in advance for any help/input!

 

i would say clean all the oil residue off real good where you can see the case real good, then drive it a bit, then crawl under there and see if you can see where its coming from. have you checked the tightness of the drain and fill plugs?? could end up being a bad crush washer. hopefully, the case aint leaking.

looks like you need to change that fuel filter too.

 

you can find the service manual here to download.......enjoy!!! by the way......welcome to tacomaworld!!!

 

See my post to you over on TN and get that frame looked at ASAP!

 

yeah......definitely get that looked at. toyota may buy that back from ya if the frame is rusted thru!!

 

It looks like the leak is comming from the top side of the transfer case, check your fluid level, it could be over full and discharging it through your breather.
Worse case would be the the case halfs are leaking which would require splitting and re-sealing.

 

REally sorry to bring this back from the dead but my taco is having the same leaks... Never had a leak before, noticed a weird noise on a trip, found the transfer case oil level to be super low. The noise didnt go away after I filled it. I did notice the carrier bearing boot was ripped and had quite a bit of play. On my way back from the trip noticed a puddle under my truck from oil in the same places. Did the vibration of a bad carrier bearing mess something up? I have ordered new U joints and carrier from rock auto and should have it tomorrow to replace those, but is my transfer case/tranny toast???

 

^The t-case usually leaks from 1 of 2 places.

First is the output flange for either the front or rear driveshaft. Clean up the rig, drive it around and look to see if the oil is coming from the spot where your driveshafts connect.

The Second place is from the RTV gasket inbetween the two halves of the t-case. Again, clean it up, drive around and look at it.

If it's coming from where the driveshafts connect, there are inner and outer seals you can buy and replace. You don't need to remove the t-case for this job. Just drain the oil, pull the driveshafts and remove/replace the seals.

If it's from inbetween the to halves of the t-case, you need to remove it. Then take the bolts that hold the halves together out (6 or 7 I believe) and pry the case apart. It will only pull apart about a half inch or so. Be careful not to displace any of the internals. Clean all the old RTV off and lay down a heavy bead of "The Right Stuff". Close the case and torque. Replace the case and let it rest before refilling with oil.

After that, you should be good to go!

 

Excellent! Thanks for the help! I am very glad to hear I can change those seals with out removing the t case. I cleaned it up all yesterday and I am about to go check it out now. Does it have a vent? is there a chance I might have over filled it?

 

if you have to pull the t-case it really isn't all that bad. like everyone is saying though, clean it, drive it, get under there and follow the trail of gear oil.

 

sounds like you speak from experience?

 

Looks to me that is been apart before and is leaking at the case half's.

 

Well I have had it for a year and its never dropped a drip. but maybe it had leaked it all out... might have bigger issues... I want an 05+, I wish i wasnt poor and have no credit

 

your looking at the OP's pics

 

did you ever hop under an see where it's leaking from? post pics

 

My transfer case and transmission looked identical to those pictures. I cleaned it all off on monday but it hasnt leaked since. It seems like a while driving thing. I have the first half of the rear axle out now to change the carrier bearing so I won't be able to drive it for a few days until I get the parts... and an impact wrench

 

Well I got the new carrier bearing in. Drove around for about 15min, no load or hills, had no leaks. I am taking the dirtbikes to a place this morning a bit farther away so we will see if she leaks on that venture

 

maybe theres no oil in it to leak out