Bad 2015 Tacoma transfer case

New to thread. Have a 2015 Tacoma 4WD w 65k miles. Bought used from dealership w 15k and i have it serviced at same Toyota dealership for oil change, tire rotation and etc.

we got some snow so was using 4WD and started hearing rough noise(like grinding type). I have used the 4WD since purchasing truck maybe 4x and has 70-80 miles of use. Took to dealership and said there were 2 leaks and the oil was almost empty from transfer case. I asked if seals could be replaced from where it was leaking and said that it’s leaking from side and another spot where seals can’t be replaced and said new transfer case w labor would be $5100.

And my power train warranty is 2 mo outside the 5yr and 5k miles outside the 60k. Is there even a prayer that Toyota would cover it since it’s always been serviced by Toyota and has such little use?

am I totally getting reamed and could get this done much cheaper elsewhere

I don’t know much about vehicles so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Welcome to TW! Look into the FJ transfer case swap. You get a much better transfer case for much less than $5100

 

Maybe you could find a mechanic that would do the work and have a used one shipped to his shop.


https://automotix.net/usedautoparts...MIivfmmtvx7gIVC-DICh3WxgAzEAQYASABEgKeb_D_BwE

 

Check your service records, the dealer should have been checking t-case fluid level (I forget at what mileage intervals but it's in the manual). At 65k it should have been changed by now too (probably twice IIRC). I'd push the issue with them if they've been pencil whipping the service sheets.

 

Ouch.

There are instructions in the owners manual to how owners need to regularly engage 4wd to keep it fully functional and lubricated.

Once you get your situation resolved, it will be a good idea to do so.

I also would be shopping for other opinions on both servicing what you have and/or replacement of what you have.

 

I’d consult with a Transmission Shop.
Those guys deal with Transfer cases all the time.
You might find one that is willing to do a swap for you.

 

Not too hijack this thread, but my 2015 makes a considerable clunk when it is switched into or out of 4 wheel drive. Is this normal with these trucks? It doesn't do I every time, but more often than not and has done it since new.

 

And yet........ you couldnt start your own thread?

 

Yeah, that sounds normal.
If the drivetrain has any strain on it while while engaging/disengagement it will be “louder”.
You can sometimes make it quieter by going to neutral. Let the truck come to a rest on its own, and then flipping the switch. But this isn’t always doable on hills and such.

But yes, it’s normal.

 

Yeah, they are reaming you.

Junk yard cases are only like $200-400 and would be completely OK to install, they rarely go bad. An experienced shop should be able to install one in less than a day.

 

Well it is related to the original topic and doesn't seem fitting to start a whole new thread for a simple question, but thank you for your contribution, you seem swell.

 

I've got a transfer case in Colorado I'll sell ya for cheap if you're close enough to come get it

 

I bought a transfer case for my 2015 for $200 shipped on ebay.
Changed it in my driveway in about 2 hours. Super simple, didn't have to drop transmission or anything stupid like that.