Transfer Case Oil

Davidman · 14-02-2010, 10:37 AM

Hi All,

I have pulled off and and am straightening ( as much as possible ) my more damaged bash plates, particularly where they are pushed against various other parts.

After removing the transmission / transfer case bash plate yesterday, the car has dripped about 2 or 3 drops of oil. It appears to be from a gasket / seal on the transfer case. The oil is not contaminated and is of a golden colour, almost like honey.

Does this sound as though this is where the oil is coming from, given that trans fluid is normally red. Also, is a couple of drips anything to worry about at this stage, or should I just monitor it and if it gets worse act on it then.

One more question, not having a workshop manual, where does the transfer case oil get checked / filled from ?

By the way, 96 NJ Pajero LWB 3.5 petrol automatic

Thanks

robz · 14-02-2010, 12:44 PM

Hi Davidman.
When i had a pajero i found that the pajero forums had a wealth of information.
Pajero 4WD Club of Victoria Public Forum - Powered by vBulletin
I have a workshop manual on cd if you are interested in it .
Cheers Rob.

jbs4wd · 14-02-2010, 03:51 PM

Dave

At this stage just keep monitoring the leak. If you want u can pressure wah it down, keep the bash plates off and watch it for a week. Then you can go from there. As for checking the level there should be a filler nut somewhere to the rear of the trani case. undo that and stick your finger in. It shoud be level with the botoom of the hole.

Cheers

JOHN

Davidman · 18-02-2010, 05:42 PM

Thanks John,

Did as you suggested, undid the nut ( like a sump plug - about 15/16 or 1 inch ring spanner ) at the rear of the transfer case, and couldn't put it back in quick enough, same coloured oil that has been dripping came out at a rate of knots. Should it be this full, and is this why it is leaking ?

David

bmurray2250 · 18-02-2010, 05:46 PM

The oil in the diff, transfer case and gearbox shouldn't go black as it doesn't get carbon from the engine in it. Water should turn in milky. I always add a bit more oil in while getting the plug back in.

Check your seals and washer around the plugs.

Davidman · 18-02-2010, 06:21 PM

Looks like the oil is clean then and no water leaks. Question is , should it be this full, or do I just leave it and monitor like it was suggested a few posts ago.

The oil that came out wasn't just adding a bit more oil when putting the plug back in, but a good couple of seconds (until I got the plug in) of constant stream.

Thanks

bmurray2250 · 18-02-2010, 06:56 PM

Normally level or just dribbling out of the fill plug

Davidman · 18-02-2010, 07:41 PM

Funny thing is, it hasn't been serviced, filled or had anything done to it between not leaking and starting to leak. Only happened in the last 2 weeks.

I have had a good look around and it appears to be stemming from a gasket failure. Maybe bumped the thing slightly

on a rock or something last time I was out, surely it wouldn't have been anything too extreme.

Still though, there appears to be a bit of overfill in there ???

shovelboy · 18-02-2010, 08:14 PM

The transfer should just dribble out when the filler plug is removed so just remove plug and have a container under it to catch excess oil as it must have been overfilled last time it was changed ..... Afew drips wont hurt it but just monitor it over some time and see if it gets worse if so seek help to rectify it

jbs4wd · 19-02-2010, 08:25 AM

Dave,
Not sure exactly how the transfer connects to the gearbox/auto, but in the toyotas, the main output shaft form the gearbox can leak and fill the transfer up. But that would mean funny coloured oil if it is an auto. Leaks around there are hard to spot. Have you cleaned the area yet? if not do so then chech it after frequently (maybe after every drive, short or long).

Cheers