WHY DOES MY TRANSFER CASE LEAK?

The transfer case has the task of splitting engine power to all four wheels through the front and rear axles. They’re found in all four-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Your engine powers the transmission which then moves that power to the transfer case. Transfer cases send power from the output shaft through chains, gears or hydraulics. That chain sends torque to the front and rear driveshafts, which then deliver power to the axles. There are several different types of configurations for all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. Each configuration uses a different type of transfer case. So, what causes the transfer case to leak?

When it comes to the transfer case there could be a couple of issues behind a leak. The transfer case is a self-contained unit that has its own fluid. A leak could be from a bad seal or an issue locked within the case itself. The output shaft seal is the part of the transfer case that connects the case to the axle. Its job is to prevent fluid from leaking out of the transmission and to keep fluid from leaking out of the front and rear output shafts to the differential. These seals can dry up, wear out and break. Once this occurs, the fluid can no longer lubricate the parts within the transfer case. Without proper lubrication, the parts will wear out and overheat. If you have any issues or concerns about your transfer case, bring it to a trusted shop such as Ferber’s Tire and Auto for an inspection today!