DEFINITION: A visible indication of an external fluid leak from the transfer case. Review the Symptoms - Transfer Case and perform the necessary inspections. See below for suggested diagnostic method(s). |
Special Tools GE-28431-6
Fluorescent Oil Dye GE-28428-E
High Intensity Black Light Kit For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .Fluorescent Dye Method
- Add GE-28431-6
Fluorescent dye to the transmission or transfer case to determine the source of the leak.
- Operate the vehicle.
- Inspect for the presence of dye within the oil leak using the GE-28428-E
High Intensity Black Light Kit. A presence or non-presence of dye within the oil leak will indicate which component is the source of the leak.
Powder Method
CAUTION:
Do not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.
- Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area using a rag.
- Apply an aerosol type leak tracing powder to the suspected leak area.
NOTE:
Do not drive the vehicle on the freeway as this will splatter oil inhibiting leak diagnosis.
- Operate the vehicle for 15 - 20 minutes under city driving conditions until normal operating temperatures are reached.
- Shut OFF the engine.
- Inspect the suspected leak area.
- Trace the leak path through the powder in order to find the source of the leak.
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| Transfer case adapter leak |
NOTE:
Dry cavity adapter applications (transmission RPOs MYC/MYD) with a leak at the adapter weep hole location may caused by either a leaking transmission rear output shaft oil seal or a leaking transfer case input shaft oil seal. The adapter gasket is not the source of the leak.
- Inspect for a restricted vent hose assembly. Repair as required.
- Add GE-28431-6
Fluorescent dye to the transmission to determine the source of the leak.
- Operate the vehicle
- Inspect the adapter weep hole for a fluid leak and for traces of dye within the oil using the GE-28428-E
High intensity black light kit.
- If fluorescent dye is present within the fluid leak, replace the transmission rear output shaft seal.
- If fluorescent dye is not present within the fluid leak, replace the transfer case input shaft oil seal. Refer to Input Shaft Seal Replacement .
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| Vent hose leak |
- Inspect the transfer case for an overfill condition. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement .
- Inspect for a loose, disconnected, restricted, or damaged vent hose assembly.
- Replace components as required.
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| Drain plug or fill plug leak |
- Inspect for the correct amount and type of sealer on the plugs. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
- Install the correct sealer onto the threads of the plugs and tighten to the correct torque value. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement .
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| Rear output shaft bearing snap ring access hole plugs leak |
Replace the access hole plugs as required. |
| Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) leak |
- Remove the VSS. Refer to Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement .
- Inspect the VSS for the following conditions:
- Cross threaded
- Cut or damaged VSS O-ring seal
- VSS over tightened causing deformation of the sensor
- Replace the VSS O-ring seal or sensor as required.
|
| Propeller shaft slip yoke cup plug leak |
- Inspect for a leaking cup plug in the rear of the propeller shaft slip yoke
- Replace the yoke assembly as required.
|
| Rear output shaft oil seal leak |
- Inspect for a restricted vent hose assembly. Repair as required.
- Inspect for a transfer case for an overfill condition.
- Inspect for a leaking rear output shaft oil seal. Refer to Rear Output Shaft Seal Replacement .
- Inspect the propeller shaft slip yoke sealing surface for excessive wear, rust, or other damage. Minor abrasions may be repaired using very fine emery cloth sandpaper. Refer to Symptoms - Propeller Shaft
.
- Inspect the rear output shaft bushing for excessive wear. Refer to Transfer Case Rear Extension Bushing Replacement .
- Replace components as required.
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| Front output shaft oil seal leak |
- Inspect for a restricted vent hose assembly. Repair as required.
- Inspect for a transfer case for an overfill condition.
- Inspect for a leaking front output shaft oil seal. Refer to Front Output Shaft Seal Replacement .
- Replace components as required.
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| Actuator shaft position sensor or O-ring seal leak |
- Inspect the sensor for porosity or a cut or damaged O-ring seal.
- Replace components as required.
|
| Two/four wheel drive actuator seal leak |
- Inspect for a leaking two/four wheel drive actuator motor seal leak.
- Replace the motor and seal assembly as required.
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| Front case half-to-rear case half seam leak |
Disassemble the transfer case and Reseal the case halves. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble . |
| Case leak |
- Inspect for a cracked case half or case porosity.
- Add GE-28431-6
Fluorescent Dye to the transfer case.
- Operate the vehicle
- Inspect the transfer case fluid leak for presence of dye within the oil using the GE-28428-E
High Intensity Black Light Kit. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble .
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