Why is my front output shaft oil seal leaking?
Fluid leaking from the transfer case. The most absolute most common symptom of a problem with a front output shaft seal is fluid leaking from the front of the transfer case. If the rubber transfer case seals dry out or crack they can leak gear oil or transmission fluid.
What causes a leak at the drive shaft yoke?
As you can see, its much more obvious from this view that there is a larger area of surface oxidation on the inside of the yoke plug that could cause a much larger leak if left untreated. Photo # 3 shows the repair after the JB weld was applied and hardened.
What to do if you have a leak in the drive shaft?
The small hole was repaired with JB weld available from most auto parts and hardware stores. This can be accomplished by removing the yoke from the drive shaft, cleaning the area thoroughly; mixing the two-part JB weld and completely covering the plug area face up. The JB weld will flow out smoothly and harden providing an oil resistant seal.
What is the front output shaft seal made of?
As its name implies, the front output shaft seal is responsible for sealing the front output shaft of the transfer case, keeping the gear oil or transmission fluid inside of the unit. The seal is usually round in shape, and made of rubber and sometimes metal, not unlike many other automotive engine and transmission seals.
As you can see, its much more obvious from this view that there is a larger area of surface oxidation on the inside of the yoke plug that could cause a much larger leak if left untreated. Photo # 3 shows the repair after the JB weld was applied and hardened.
The small hole was repaired with JB weld available from most auto parts and hardware stores. This can be accomplished by removing the yoke from the drive shaft, cleaning the area thoroughly; mixing the two-part JB weld and completely covering the plug area face up. The JB weld will flow out smoothly and harden providing an oil resistant seal.
Where does the fluid come from in the drive shaft?
A few days later the leak reappeared and the owner brought the car to my shop to diagnose the situation. Troubleshooting found the fluid leak coming from the center of the drive shaft yoke (p/n 4841), from an area I’ve never experienced a leak, until now.
Where is the leak in the transmission shaft?
Photo # 1 shows the yoke plug. Our inspection discovered the plug that seals the end of the yoke had a small rust hole from the inside out. As the fluid traveled down the output shaft and yoke splines it leaked through the holes in this plug.