Leak?

Hi all,

just bought a 2017 tundra with 34k miles on it and I slipped underneath to check it out and noticed a leak. Is this the transfer case? Sorry I’m not exactly the best to diagnosing stuff. Trying to learn though.

 

Yes that's the transfer case. I'd suggest cleaning the whole area well, checking the fluid level to ensure it's not low (top off if so), then watch it closely to see exactly where it's leaking from.

Appears to be leaking from the fill plug, which is a bit strange

 

thanks for the reply, I will clean it off and keep an eye on it. That’s the fill plug right there?

 

Do these plugs have a gasket? Maybe the gasket is bad causing the leak. Illl check it out tomorrow

 

I don't think they have a gasket, but yes that's the fill plug. I actually wrapped that plug's threads in thread seal tape and it sealed it nicely when I recently changed out the Tcase fluid.

 

Checked it out and I guess there is supposed to be a gasket for the drain and fill plug?

 

Could've just been a really messy drain & fill job. Especially if they were using a bottle pump with a tube and it slipped. Happened to me and fluid went everywhere.

Like Red mentioned, I'd clean the whole area with some simple green or degreaser and just keep an eye on it.

 

Where'd you find that info?

I only ask because the design of the plug doesn't seem suitable for using a gasket.

Also when I did my research prior to doing a Tcase drain and fill, I saw several people on this forum mention using thread seal tape (like plumber's tape), and that strategy worked great for mine.

 

There is no gasket like you'd find on the differentials, the threads on the transfer case are pipe threads (tapered). Put some thread tape on them and tighten until they are snug.

 

Looks like a messy job to me. Clean it up, check level as stated here, check back in a few days.

 

The good news is somebody serviced it. The bad news is you should just start over from scratch since their attempt is questionable.

 

Supposed to use appropriate thread sealant on the fill plug. The plug has it from factory, but the sealant is squeezed out when the plug is torqued.

I used "Permatex 80632 Thread Sealant with PTFE", about $11 / 4 oz on Amazon. No leaks.

 

Could just be residue from a previous servicing as mentioned above. I would clean it off well with some break cleaner and watch it over the course of a week or so.

 

found a video on YouTube where a guy used one. Maybe it was a washer. I’ll try the pipe tape.

 

that’s what I’m thinking I haven’t seen any fluid drip or anything like that.

 

Get over the residue guys. The bigger issue is was the proper fluid even used. OP should just start over with the entire drain and fill.

 

The 2014 and up models have a pipe thread plug on the drain and fill. No gasket. Get a small tube of liquid Teflon, clean any old residue off the threads and apply new sealant. No need to overdue it. The transfer case fluid should be filled to the bottom of the fill plug hole. Replace the plug and snug it up to tighten it, Don’t overdue it with the torque!

 

That’s on the cards for this weekend, that’s the one thing about buying used. My 2020 Tacoma was bought brand new and I knew the history on it. This being such low mileage ( 34k ) I didn’t think I’d need to worry about this but oh well, hopefully this truck will last a while with no issues. First full size I’ve bought.

 

Also thank you everyone for the advice and tips, Seems like a solid community here!

 

Couple points:
Simple green can be harmful to some aluminum alloys. Brakleen may be a better choice.
Do not overtighten the plug. Pipe threads are tapered and you can damage the case by over-torquing it.

 

With that mindset though, anytime someone buys a used vehicle, should they completely drain and fill every single fluid in the vehicle in fear of the wrong fluid being used?

I would also suggest getting over the residue and just clean and watch it.

 

Original Gunk WM. Hose off. 34k ? No history who did what? I’d drain and fill TC, front and rear axles and engine oil now.

 

I would, but I would do so even quicker if I saw a clear indication such as this that shows the person doing the work was suffering from either a shortage of supplies, budget. time, expertise, personal pride or some combination of some or all of the above. Fluids are much more affordable than repairs, and often times an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.

 

I just bought a 2018 with 67k miles, and previous owner had records to demonstrate it was dealer serviced every 5k miles since new. First thing I did was promptly drain and fill every fluid, for peace of mind. Totally agree with @2mchfun, preventative maintenance is far cheaper than reactive repairs.