Questions Regarding Manual Transmission and Transfer Case

That is ridiculous and a lot of oil coming out.


We're down to 6k max. Thankfully, Subaru gave us some goodwill on both repairs.

 

OP, looks like the drip might get you a repair. Definitely leave the area alone!

 

And don't lick it.

 

Got it, what does it really mean when those weeps and seeps are documented? Just watch and see if it gets worse? If not, then ignore and pretend all good?

Although weeps and seeps are slow, I assume that some fluid is lost, should I then try to change and refill the T-case fluid or MT fluid more often just to ensure I'm not running low?

 

If the dealer documents it and it gets worse, esp out of warranty, the fact that it was documented early allows the repair to be covered later.


Weeps are deceptively small. A little bit of fluid can make a big mess while not affecting the actual, safe fluid level.

On the MT, checking fluid levels is crazy easy. Just pull the fill plug and see how much is in there. Typically some will run out, or you can use a bit of wire as a dip stick.

 

I hope so.
Well, to be honest I hope it's a simple fix. I just put on the sliders and they are bolted on part of the cross member bracings.
If they have to take out the cross member bracings to repair, then they will have to remove the sliders. The sliders are such a PITA to put on.

 

There are only a few possible places a transfer case can leak from, and the only simple ones are the fill and drain plugs lol, but you'll get fixed up. I wouldn't do anything to the truck yourself and take it in just like you said - tell them you noticed a drip on the driveway/garage, had a look under and noticed a wet area around the transfer case/transmission area.

If they happen to say anything about slider removal I'd be surprised.

I was once quoted $2200 to have my Landcruiser Tcase removed, split, re-sealed, and re-installed so they'll be getting a nice chunk for the repair if that's the "case." One of the output shaft seals or something it wont be a big deal and they will leave the case in place.

 

looks to me the piece of metal bar is directly below the MT and the slider bolt is on that piece.
I guess if all the work is done on the transfer case then probably can leave that bar alone

but judging from the fact that the MT area is wet too, I think probably they need to pull out the MT and hence removing that metal bar, or there is another way to get the MT out?

 

Don’t get too far ahead of the diagnosis, like you said it could be a simple fix.

You could remove the sliders prior if it would mitigate stress about it but I say send the truck as is and let Toyota’s warranty take care of you.

People have been putting in running boards, nerf bars, side steps and sliders a long time and the techs roll with it.

 

UPDATE:

Dealer took the truck in, the tech looked at it, going to change the seal and o-rings between the transfer case and transmission. Not going to bother with sliders.

The actuator seems to be fine. They don't have the parts and will order overnight so I should have the truck back tomorrow.

They said it's a common problem with 2nd gen Tacoma, but 3rd gen it's their first.

In the meantime, got a 2021 Camry 4 cylinder loaner. I'm very impressed, it's drives nicer than my last gen Avalon.

 

oh well, I'm not familiar with the procedure, but I can't help wonder how changing the seals would involve scratching so much of these things

these are what looks like after dealership finished the repair









are these just cosmetic damages by wrenches or sockets? Or the transfer case dropped on or impacted something?