Signs of a Bad or Faulty Transfer Case Output Shaft Seal

Common symptoms include difficult shifting, grinding noises coming from under the vehicle, and jumps when engaging and disengaging the XNUMXWD.

Being able to switch on the fly from two-wheel drive to all-wheel drive without having to get out and block the wheel hubs is a luxury that most of us take for granted, especially during a snow storm. Many of today's vehicles are equipped with part-time all-wheel drive systems that are engaged either manually when the driver selects a switch, or automatically when the on-board computer determines that traction is being reduced due to weather or road conditions. The physical part of the car that activates this action is the transfer case, which has an output shaft that sends power to the drive axle. From time to time, the seals that hold these components together can dry out, wear out, or break. If this happens, they will need to be replaced by a certified mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the vehicle's drive system.

What is a transfer case output shaft seal?

The transfer case output shaft seal is located on the transfer case of XNUMXWD vehicles, trucks and SUVs. The transfer case completes the activation between neutral XNUMXWD, low XNUMXWD and then XNUMXWD. Inside the body is a series of gear reduction gears and chain drives that work together to do their job of supplying power to the drive axles, making the car all-wheel drive.

The transfer box output shaft is the part that connects the box to the axle. The transfer case outlet seal is designed to prevent fluid leakage from the transmission where the transfer case connects to the transmission input shaft. The seal also helps prevent fluid from leaking from the front and rear output shaft into the differentials, ensuring that all metal components are properly lubricated for long-term use.

If the seals are leaking, the fluid will leak out and can no longer properly lubricate the internal components of the transfer case. Over time, the parts inside wear out and overheat. If this happens, the transfer case will become unusable and the four-wheel drive will not work. Over time, the transfer case output shaft seal can fail, and when it does, several symptoms will be displayed to alert the driver that there is a problem with this system. The following are some of the common side effects of a damaged transfer case output shaft seal that needs to be replaced.

1. Difficult shifting

The seal that keeps fluid inside the transfer case, and therefore the transmission, is vital to the smooth operation of a vehicle's transmission. When fluid leaks out of a broken seal, it reduces the volume of fluid that is currently working inside the transmission. There is also a loss of fluid pressure, making shifting difficult for an automatic or manual transmission. If you notice that your transmission is having difficulty shifting up or down, you should contact a certified mechanic as soon as possible to have the problem checked and a solution suggested.

2. Rattle from under the bottom of the car.

When the output shaft seal breaks or wears out, this can also cause noise from under the vehicle. In many cases, these noises are caused by a decrease in the amount of lubricant inside the transfer case, or by metal on metal rubbing. It's pretty obvious to most vehicle owners that grinding metals is never beneficial, so if you're hearing noise coming from the area where your transmission is located, see a mechanic as soon as possible.

3. The car jumps into and out of four-wheel drive.

In some cases, fluid loss can cause the vehicle to turn XNUMXWD on and off when it should remain in that mode. This is usually caused by broken parts inside the transfer case that control this operation. Parts wear prematurely due to fluid leakage, which in many cases is due to the output shaft seal. When the seal leaks, you will notice a reddish liquid on the ground underneath your car. This is transmission fluid and an instant sign that a seal or gasket on the transmission case is broken and needs to be repaired. Any time you recognize these warning signs, it is important that you contact a professional mechanic so that they can replace the transfer case output shaft seal as soon as possible.