2011 Tacoma has leak in transfer case

Update: I went to the dealership that originally told me about the leak. I told the service desk guy that I wanted them to go ahead and do the repair, and while they were at it could they change my oil. I left it there at the appointed time, and they called half an hour later and said it was done. When I was surprised it was so quick, the guy says "We changed your oil, but we couldn't look at the leak because of all the dried oil and gunk under there. I guess you could take it to one of those car washes that does the bottom." I was a bit dumbfounded, I've never been told by a repairman to go to a car wash first (though I often do, just because..). I had actually just been to one a few days before. So then he says "You'll have to make a service appointment to have that checked." I said "I thought that was what I was doing!"
Needless to say, I found a different mechanic who didn't say a word about going to a carwash. He replaced the gasket, it was expensive but not nearly in the range that the dealership had quoted. I know who I'm going to use next time I need something done!

Hi all,
I have a 2011 Tacoma, Automatic with 4WD, with just over 115,000 miles on it. Last spring when I had the oil changed at a dealership, the tech told me that there was a small leak in the transfer case. (I was surprised, as I often check the area where I park for evidence of oil, fluids, etc after a bad experience with a previous vehicle years ago. I physically have difficulty getting under it to look for myself.) He told me that it probably hadn't leaked onto the ground as the fluid probably got absorbed by dirt or whatever that accumulates under a vehicle. He also said that it was so small that it wouldn't be an issue for awhile. He said it would probably cost about $2000 to repair.

I took it to a local mechanic closer to home who confirmed the leak. He also said he could replace the gasket for a couple hundred bucks and fix the leak, but he said "Toyotas don't just develop leaks for no reason, so that won't fix the real problem." He didn't want to venture what that might be, as he said he wasn't really a transmission guy and didn't have the expertise to go there. At least he was honest and didn't tear into it, making it worse!

What's my worst case scenario? What kinds of problems might this indicate, and was the mechanic who told me they don't leak without a reason correct? I haven't noticed any differences in how it performs. I worked from home and haven't really driven it much, but I do think it's time to do something about it. I know repairs are expensive, so I want to have as much knowledge as I can to know that they are not taking advantage of some dumb old lady!

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

I just watched a auto repair shop video where there was a small seeping from seam of transfer case and they just cleaned it real well and applied rtv gasket sealer and that took care of it.

 

If you could get a picture of where it is leaking from that would help greatly in giving advice about it, otherwise we would just be guessing.

 

This would help.

 

I’d like to know what the dealer mechanic is doing for 2k.

 

If I remember correctly(been a while since I pulled a taco transfer case) there is the rear case gasket, the seals where the driveshafts mount, gasket on top where shifter goes in, and two internally where when you split the transfer case from the back of the tranny. But not 2k worth. Transfer cases are pretty straightforward.

 

I do hope this is the case, thanks!

 

I know, I just had surgery so getting on the ground is difficult! Maybe I can con a friend into getting down there for me...

 

That has definitely crossed my mind...I wish I was more mechanically inclined so I'd know if they were ripping me off. It's a great truck, otherwise I'd question the wisdom of potentially spending that much on a repair!

 

Mine developed a leak at the input seal. It was oozing gear oil out of the "dry" area between the transmission and transfer case. A 1/2 qt of gear oil fell out when I finally removed it. It was trapped in there even without a gasket between the 2 cases.

After I replaced the input seal and cleaned everything up I cut a small notch in the bottom edge of the t-case so that cavity wouldn't hold fluid in the future. If my shit is leaking I want to see it dripping sooner rather than later

Need pics to give advice about yours

 

By chance do you have a link for this video? I got a leak with my 6 speed, already replaced the o ring that acts as the "output seal" but it's still leaking, got a bore scope to see exactly where this leak is coming from before I just coat everything in rtv and hope for the best