Some Questions For You All...

dbefay · March 17, 2009

My transfer case is going to hell quick. It leaks fluid like crazy and I cant pinpoint where its all coming from. Ive got a 2000 silvy with the 246 t-case. I recently changed the u-joints and replaced the rear output shaft seal. The new seal wont stay in. It went in really easy almost like it was too small (or the hole was too big). So far everyone ive talked to has said that it should have went in snug and no sealents would be needed. Is this true? Is it ok to use a sealent?

It doesnt look like the fluid is leaking out of the rear shaft area as the spline(?) that goes in to the transfer case was bone dry when changing the u-joints. Tonight I found a t-case locally for $250. It is apparently a GM remanufactured that came from a 2001 silvy with 130,xxx miles. Since the case is a remanufactured unit I would assume that there wouldnt be too many miles on it. I havent looked at it yet but he says its not leaking or anything like that. What should I look for to make sure its worth buying? I really cant afford $1300 for a new one.

How difficult is it to change out the case? I dont have access to a lift and would be doing it in the driveway. Also, Im not sure what tranny is in my truck as I couldnt find a tag or anything when I looked. Not sure if it really matters either. Im just tired of wasting my money putting fluid in when its just ending up splattered underneath the truck. Ive put my main questions in bold, but any other insight or advice is welcomed. Thanks in advance! And I did search but havent found anything really related to my specific problems(ie. the fluid isnt coming out of just the pinhole that wears through the case)

txab · March 17, 2009

Are you sure you got the right seal?

dbefay · March 17, 2009

Are you sure you got the right seal?

I got it at napa and they didnt ask what transfer case i had. whatever their system told them for my year/model/engine/etc is the one they gave me. It looks exactly like the old one but doesnt fit right. not sure the part number either as i already threw the box and old seal away.

VR021302 · March 17, 2009

Def sounds like you got the wrong seal, but its not that hard to change a t-case out. It is MUCH easier if you have a lift, but it can be done with a floor jack and a 2x6 or 2x8. I've done many this way, it just sux.

Deichler · March 18, 2009

Well Doug, don't feel bad.....my 08 Silverado's T-Case was shot from the factory. First time I ever used it she was VERY LOUD!!! I have the manual T-Case with the lever on the floor, and it was 100% totally shot. I drove like 3/4 mile with it in 4 high on a road with @ 4 inches or more of snow and couldn't stand the noise anymore. I made it home fine with the rear locker and took it in the next weekend. So it got totally rebuilt by a good GM Dealer and all is well. Total cost to GM was @ $3000 they told me, not including labor. Everything was replaced form the case itself to the gears, chain, etc....anything in the t-case was rebuilt or replaced. Took 3 weeks to get it back. But good luck Doug!

dbefay · March 18, 2009

Well i was told today by a guy at work that the 2001's had a different transfer case or at least a 4 button switch in the cab instead of the 3 button one i have. Any truth to this?? I went to a dealership today to pick up some more fluid($9/qt btw!). I asked them about a new tcase and a reman. gm case is gonna run $1400+ not including labor if i were to have them put it in.

txab · March 18, 2009

Maybe I missed it. You still can't find where fluid is leaking out? There are no wet spots? It's not leaking at the loose seal at all?

dbefay · March 18, 2009

Maybe I missed it. You still can't find where fluid is leaking out? There are no wet spots? It's not leaking at the loose seal at all?

the whole case is wet and its splattering everywhere underneath the truck. when i pulled the driveshaft out the seal and yoke were dry. i think its leaking out of the top of the case somewhere but i cant pinpoint a location. it almost seems like its leaking out of multiple locations. could it be leaking from the seal holding the tcase together?

and i figured out the switch thing. forgot there was an "auto" button on there so i would imagine this tcase from the 2001 would work as long as its a 246?

mipsco1 · March 18, 2009

If it is leaking but still working why would you buy a new one. Is the t-case shot or just the leaking?

sonjaab · March 18, 2009

Maybe you have the dreaded "pump rub" issue and the fluid

is leaking from the wear spot.

Check out the pic and look at your case:

dbefay · March 18, 2009

Maybe you have the dreaded "pump rub" issue and the fluid
is leaking from the wear spot.

Check out the pic and look at your case:

Yup already JB welded that spot among a few others but its still leaking like a siv.

dbefay · March 18, 2009

If it is leaking but still working why would you buy a new one. Is the t-case shot or just the leaking?

i would assume the tcase is prolly not in the best condition and wouldnt want to depend on it if i ever needed to use it. with the amount of fluid leaking theres more then just a pinhole in it.

dbefay · March 19, 2009

Well that guy with the tcase isnt getting back to me so Im not sure if ill even get that one. For now I think I am just going to put a sealent on the seal and keep adding fluid til i can afford to replace it. If anyone could answer this question for me it would be greatly appreciated.....

Should I put grease on the shaft part that goes into the transfer case? If so what kind of grease would be best? TIA!