Transfer Case Gasket Leak?

[14RamHemiSport]

hey guys, 2009 yukon denali 6.2 awd. just noticed a little bit of fluid on the bottom of the transfer case. its a very small amount, about the size of my finger. doesnt leave any on the ground. but concerning. i dont see any other places it could have come from. rear side is dirty but (to me any way) doesnt look to be leaking. its dark with a bit of red tunt to it. doesnt smell. ive only had this for just under a month, so dont know its history. any known issues with these? gasket leak?

is this a big project / repair?

 

[thompsoj22]

It looks like your output seal has been leaking/seeping for a long time, clean it up "spotless" at the spraywash with a pair of coveralls on and the acceptance you are going to get wet and dirty. Or do it at home with a couple cans of brakeclean, drain and fill with approx 1.5 qts of the correct dexron atf and monitor the leak. It wont get better, im sure that seal "could" be replaced "in place" with the driveshaft removed. It isnt a big job but it should not be your "first time repairing my car task". no disrespect.

 

[14RamHemiSport]

It looks like your output seal has been leaking/seeping for a long time, clean it up "spotless" at the spraywash with a pair of coveralls on and the acceptance you are going to get wet and dirty. Or do it at home with a couple cans of brakeclean, drain and fill with approx 1.5 qts of the correct dexron atf and monitor the leak. It wont get better, im sure that seal "could" be replaced "in place" with the driveshaft removed. It isnt a big job but it should not be your "first time repairing my car task". no disrespect.

no disrespect at all. i know my limits. id hire this one out. any common issues with these tc? i see a common issue with the pin hole but is that on these 6.2 awd tc? i have wiped it off before and to me it looks to be coming from the bottom, by that bottom most bolt. through the gasket.

 

[thompsoj22]

no disrespect at all. i know my limits. id hire this one out. any common issues with these tc? i see a common issue with the pin hole but is that on these 6.2 awd tc? i have wiped it off before and to me it looks to be coming from the bottom, by that bottom most bolt. through the gasket.

i dont think that common "wear through" area is related to the awd tc, it is quite possible that you are right and it is the case seal, does the hardware show any signs of being previously loosened/tightened? try tightening the hardware? I dont think it would be cost effective to repair the case leak without a rebuild and there go's the budget! clean it, keep an eye on it.

 

[Fless]

If it's been leaking long enough the TC could be getting dry. Check the fluid level sooner than later.

 

[14RamHemiSport]

i dont think that common "wear through" area is related to the awd tc, it is quite possible that you are right and it is the case seal, does the hardware show any signs of being previously loosened/tightened? try tightening the hardware? I dont think it would be cost effective to repair the case leak without a rebuild and there go's the budget! clean it, keep an eye on it.

i have not done much with it. i noticed it, wiped it off and kept my eye on it. so far it's very slow. ill try tightening the bolts a little. i may drain and fill it. then ill know its full and monitor from there. i can always keep adding fluid as i save up for the service. how in depth is the rebuild? how hard is it to take the cover off? remove drive shaft obviously....

 

[14RamHemiSport]

If it's been leaking long enough the TC could be getting dry. Check the fluid level sooner than later.

im going to buy some fluid and fill it up. you are right. not worth the risk. a drain and fill is super easy as well. then i know im full.

 

[swathdiver]

Yep, that's looks like the front output shaft seal, the old design. Mine weeps a little less, need some of those clamps that go around the boot, a seal driver, seal puller, new fluid and the seal. I think you have the early style, the new one protects it more from water and debris, a little shield if I remember right.

 

[14RamHemiSport]

Yep, that's looks like the front output shaft seal, the old design. Mine weeps a little less, need some of those clamps that go around the boot, a seal driver, seal puller, new fluid and the seal. I think you have the early style, the new one protects it more from water and debris, a little shield if I remember right.

forgive my dumb questions....the first pic is of the front. fluid is at bottom of the seam and dry above. 2nd pic is of rear side. it is dirty but doesnt appear to be fluid running down. are you saying you think its the seal in the back side? so remove ds, remove seal, pound new seal in and reinstall ds?

 

[swathdiver]

forgive my dumb questions....the first pic is of the front. fluid is at bottom of the seam and dry above. 2nd pic is of rear side. it is dirty but doesnt appear to be fluid running down. are you saying you think its the seal in the back side? so remove ds, remove seal, pound new seal in and reinstall ds?

I could very well be wrong as to which one, I still get twisted around and confused when I'm under there, don't like being upside down! LOL

But yes, that's about all there is to it. I would get the proper installation tool, they are less than $20, J45756 for your BW4485 (NR3).

Make sure the driveshaft goes back on to the exact same threads it came off of up front and in the rear, make some witness marks on either side before pulling.

I'm starting to get some weeping in a couple of places, TC, Rear Axle, etc. Not enough to worry about yet and in fact, we just changed the fluids down there and left those seals alone for now.