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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2010 >> Traverse LT, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 466 (Transfer Case - GETRAG 790) >> Diagnostic Information and Procedures >> Transfer Case Leak Diagnosis

Transfer Case Leak Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 GMC Acadia, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2016 Buick Enclave. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Cause Correction
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

  1. Add GE 28431-6  Fluorescent dye to the transmission or transfer case to determine the source of the leak.
  2. Operate the vehicle.
  3. 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.

  1. Thoroughly clean the suspected leak area using a rag.
  2. 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.

  3. Operate the vehicle for 15-20 minutes under city driving conditions until normal operating temperatures are reached.
  4. Shut OFF the engine.
  5. Inspect the suspected leak area.
  6. Trace the leak path through the powder in order to find the source of the leak.
Drain plug or fill plug leak
  1. Inspect for worn, scored, or missing drain and/or fill plug sealing washers.
  2. Replace as required. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement .
Restricted or damaged ventilation assembly Replace the ventilation assembly, as required.
Leaking at the transfer case left side weep hole
  • A transmission oil leak at the transmission-to-transfer case interface or weep hole area may be caused by the transmission to transfer case O-ring seal or transmission right side drive shaft seal.
  • A gear oil leak at the transmission-to-transfer case interface or weep hole area is caused by the transfer case input seal.
 Replace components as required.. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble .
If the leak is transmission or O-ring related, do not replace the transfer case input seal.
Leaking at the transfer case right side weep hole
  • A transmission oil leak at the transfer case right side weep hole is caused by the intermediate drive shaft seal.
  • A gear oil leak at the transfer case right side weep hole is caused by the right side input seal.
  1. Identify the type of oil leak.
  2. Replace components as required.
Leaking at rear output shaft area
A leak at rear output shaft area is caused by either the rear output shaft seal or the rear output shaft housing O-ring seal.		 Inspect and replace the O-ring or rear output shaft seal as required.
Leaking at transaxle assembly-to-transfer case interface
A transmission oil leak at the transmission-to-transfer case interface may be caused by the transmission to transfer case O-ring seal or the transmission right side drive shaft seal.
    NOTE:

    If the leak is transmission or O-ring related, do not replace the transfer case input seal.

  1. Identify the type of oil leak.
  2. Replace components as required.
Case half seam leak Disassemble and replace the transfer case seal. Refer to Transfer Case Disassemble , and Transfer Case Assemble .
Leaking through case
  • Inspect for a cracked case.
  • Inspect for case porosity.
  • Replace the transfer case.
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