Suprise !

[rickfinn123]

Changed transfer case fluid (dex III) on my just bought 96 1500 push-button 4X4 PU. Transfer case was empty, well had 4-6 ounces dribble out.

Any ideas what happened to the fluid? no obvious leaks. Is this one of those t-cases with a propensity to have the pump drill through the case causing fluid loss? If not, I guess this truck holds a record for 138K on a dry transfer case!

Also, I added 3+ quarts. is this the right amount?

Thanks,

Rick

[Draenor]

It may be due to the previous owner not doing any proper maintenance. I would keep an eye on the seals for any leakage. The fluid could of been so low that it could not of shown any signs of leakage.

[rickfinn123]

It may be due to the previous owner not doing any proper maintenance. I would keep an eye on the seals for any leakage. The fluid could of been so low that it could not of shown any signs of leakage.

 

 

Hey John,

Bender is my favorite character from my favorite animated cartoon!!!

On the Transfer case lube. It couldn't LEAK that low. Also, I noted the drain plug was properly torqued and the fill plug was a bear to break loose, As in having never been removed from day one!

I think the "tech" at the used car lot did HALF the fluid change, if you know what I mean.

That means I put 457 miles on an empty T-case.

Any guesses on how long it will last?

Anyone have this happen to them?

I bought this thing to travel with a slide-in camper.

Thanks for the reply, John.

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

When I went to change the T-Case fluid on my old 99 Silverado after getting her, I found that there was less then a cup of fluid in there. Only thing I could figure was a seal leak for the shaft.

[rickfinn123]

When I went to change the T-Case fluid on my old 99 Silverado after getting her, I found that there was less then a cup of fluid in there. Only thing I could figure was a seal leak for the shaft.

 

 

WOW!

Did it leak out again after you refilled it?

How many carefree miles did you put on it after the re-fill?

Thanks,

Rick

[Guest Riggs]

ive already had a leak not in the t-case but through the driveshaft ... and i had the driveshaft fixed and never leaked again..

 

although this was on my old 90 silverado...

 

btw it would leak about 1/4 of a quart a day so it was quite a bit...

[95Sierra2500]

Are you sure you need to use Dex III? I only ask because I know certain transfer cases with the push-button controls are supposed to use a special fluid that has more additives in it...but I could be wrong about that, too.

[rickfinn123]

ive already had a leak not in the t-case but through the driveshaft ... and i had the driveshaft fixed and never leaked again..

 

although this was on my old 90 silverado...

 

btw it would leak about 1/4 of a quart a day so it was quite a bit...

 

 

Thanks Riggs!

When it leaked out again, did you have a puddle/drip out of the drive shaft? Right at the front, or at the rear?

I put on a couple of miles and see no drips at all. Rechecked and T-case is still full.

Rick

[rickfinn123]

Are you sure you need to use Dex III? I only ask because I know certain transfer cases with the push-button controls are supposed to use a special fluid that has more additives in it...but I could be wrong about that, too.

 

 

Hi Sierra!

The truck came with the owners manual which says Dex III. Also, the old stuff (all 4 ounces!) that came out was red in color. A very dark red, as you can imagine!

Wish I would have flushed with fresh Dex to check for shavings, gears, stray bearings, etc.

Thanks,

Rick

[Draenor]

The manual should also state the fluid capacity. I would also flush the t-case for the extra insurnance.

[csheatz]

I find it hard to beleive that it could have lasted that long if it came from day one like that, but anything is possible. when i picked up my 06 with all of 9 miles on it, i drove nearly 1500. then while checking all fluids before a long vacation. i came to notice my trans was half a quart low, and my rearend was almost 16oz low. also the front was low but i dont know how much. I took it right to the dealer, pissed as all get out! there was not a sign of a leak, with only 1500 miles on it you could eat off any part of the truck. service guy told me as he was filling them up that its common for the assembly lines to not completly fill these things up all the way. he did not flat out say it but he hinted that they save more money putting a little less fluid in everything and replacing only a few that will go bad under warrenty while the rest will never go bad, or it will be out of warrenty and will most likly be serviced at a a gm dealer where they earn more $$$$ for the repair. I dont know if there is any truth in that but i would check everything just to be safe!

[Guest Riggs]

WHERE IS ALL THIS FLUID GOING?????

 

but

 

at least its not leaking anymore...

[rickfinn123]

The manual should also state the fluid capacity. I would also flush the t-case for the extra insurnance.

 

 

Couldn't find the capacity in the manual. I will be sure to flush it. I need to know how much shavings, etc is laying in the bottom

Thanks,

Rick

[rickfinn123]

ive already had a leak not in the t-case but through the driveshaft ... and i had the driveshaft fixed and never leaked again..

 

 

Riggs,

Was there any lasting damage to your T-case?

Thanks,

Rick

[rickfinn123]

I find it hard to beleive that it could have lasted that long if it came from day one like that, but anything is possible. when i picked up my 06 with all of 9 miles on it, i drove nearly 1500. then while checking all fluids before a long vacation. i came to notice my trans was half a quart low, and my rearend was almost 16oz low. also the front was low but i dont know how much. I took it right to the dealer, pissed as all get out! there was not a sign of a leak, with only 1500 miles on it you could eat off any part of the truck. service guy told me as he was filling them up that its common for the assembly lines to not completly fill these things up all the way. he did not flat out say it but he hinted that they save more money putting a little less fluid in everything and replacing only a few that will go bad under warrenty while the rest will never go bad, or it will be out of warrenty and will most likly be serviced at a a gm dealer where they earn more $$$$ for the repair. I dont know if there is any truth in that but i would check everything just to be safe!

 

Hi Z71,

I guess you have to watch everything, even on a new truck! Thats unreal!

I'm guessing the USED car dealer I bought it from (500 miles ago) drained the T-case and forgot to refill. Anyway, I hope it was not from day one (151K).

Rick