Transfer case leak

[Lampaaaa]

Hi I have a problem with my transfer case. I noticed that it is wet. It doesn't look as if there is fresh oil pouring in there just as if there is a leak but already sealed. I have tried to find a source somewhere but unfortunately can't see anywhere. Has anyone had a similar problem before?

 

[Ohiocruiser]

That's new. Clean everything real good, and recheck after a day or two to see where exactly it's coming from.

 

[D.J.]

That's new. Clean everything real good, and recheck after a day or two to see where exactly it's coming from.

That's just about the only logical path forward.

 

[Deleted member 11966]

I had a big leak on mine which was caused by running to big of a tire diameter difference between front and rear tires. Dealer did replace it but my leak was substantial. They said the transfer case cracked and leaked out almost all the oil.

 

[D.J.]

I had a big leak on mine which was caused by running to big of a tire diameter difference between front and rear tires. Dealer did replace it but my leak was substantial. They said the transfer case cracked and leaked out almost all the oil.

That is an extremely difficult to believe root cause.


Running too large of a difference in diameter should only prematurely wear out the clutch pack in the transfer case!

 

[Deleted member 11966]

That is an extremely difficult to believe root cause.


Running too large of a difference in diameter should only prematurely wear out the clutch pack in the transfer case!

I ran 255/35/19 and 285/30/19 with JB4 (map2). It happened after aggressive driving mid August. I don't know what could've caused such a pressure buildup to crack the case but the combo of more power, too big of a difference in tires and the extra grip is no good. Surprisingly that combo took 40k kms for the transfer case to fail.

I am open to other root causes. The dealer said it was first time they've had that issue.

 

[Thomby]

I put those into a tire calculator and get 26" vs. 25.7" height, or 1.2% smaller in the rear. That doesn't seem like enough to cause a violent result. vs. just more wear on the clutchpack as @D.J. mentioned.

 

[Deleted member 11966]

Here is the video from the dealer mechanic showing the leak:

 

[D.J.]

Here is the video from the dealer mechanic showing the leak:

Awesome that they sent you a video, but they really didn't show the crack at all. Just shows that oil has been leaking.

If the case was cracked, I think yours was the first (possibly the only) one thus far.

The transfer case "case" is much stronger than the electro-hydraulically controlled wet clutch pack. The clutch is designed to allow some slip, especially if you were using sport mode! (80:20 torque split)

 

[Deleted member 11966]

I usually drive it in custom mode with sport diff (80:20 split) but not in sport engine/transmission mode.
I am not sure where the exact point of leak was. I wanted to speak with the mechanic that worked on the car but they were off that day and forgot to follow up with them, so I can't confirm the actual failure point.

 

[Buklau]

I usually drive it in custom mode with sport diff (80:20 split) but not in sport engine/transmission mode.
I am not sure where the exact point of leak was. I wanted to speak with the mechanic that worked on the car but they were off that day and forgot to follow up with them, so I can't confirm the actual failure point.

Just curious what shop did you take your car to? I’m around Toronto area aswell.

 

[Deleted member 11966]

L eggat Kia in Burlington. They've been great.