Transfer case front leak

[gamh2001]

Noticed a leak (a very small drip) and took it to the dealer to check it out. Transfer case from seal is leaking a little bit but to fix it you need to disable the transfer case as the seal in placed inside (dealer dixit). This thing wear but at 55k miles !!!??? Any one with similar issues? Dealer cost is approx $2,200 but since it's just a small drip dealer suggested to top it off as this could wait 1 to 2 years before needing replacement but I can drive without problems but monitor it. I read posts from the LR3 forum and transfer case leak seems common. Suggestion is to Royal Purple fluid? Really? Open to suggestions to delay cashing out $2,200.

 

[ktm525]

I would smear a bunch of JB weld and try to stop leak externally. Cost $5

 

[ryanjl]

Suggestion is to Royal Purple fluid? Really?

The transfer case requires a certain spec of fluid. Royal Purple is the only one I found that met that spec, other than the OE Land Rover fluid.

 

[gamh2001]

Hello all... Well, 4 months later I had to refill with 1 qt of transfer case fluid. No leaks but transfer case "wetness" is noticeable. I've been considering repair with indy shop as local dealers says replacing the seal costs $2,400 eek whereas RepairPal estimates $586-$855. Local indy shop specialized in LR and with over 20 years of doing business, estimates @ $900 total which seems in line with RepairPal.

Should I "go broke" and pay almost 3x as much to dealer or the work can be "trusted" to a specialized local indy shop? Would appreciate forum advise.

 

[avslash]

With the possible exception of an issue requiring a hookup to the JLR software system, Rovers that are out of warranty should never visit the dealer.

Absolutely no reason to think an indie couldn't do as good or better job at replacing a seal than the dealership.

As mentioned above, if it is a small drip, I would personally try some RTV, gasket maker, or some other home brew solution before I spent serious money on it.

People that are not familiar with turning wrenches have a sort of paranoia about these vehicles (and I see the same phenomena in the Porsche world, as well) that doesn't seem to exist with brands like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc. But, they are really no different than anything else running around on four wheels and the same techniques apply to all; diagnose the problem, access the problem, correct the problem. Then, reassemble, and wait for the next problem....

Save yourself some money and swing by Autozone and ask them for the gasket maker stuff that comes in a tube. Clean the area of the drip, smother some on there and see what happens.

 

[Azoo]

With the possible exception of an issue requiring a hookup to the JLR software system, Rovers that are out of warranty should never visit the dealer.

Absolutely no reason to think an indie couldn't do as good or better job at replacing a seal than the dealership.

As mentioned above, if it is a small drip, I would personally try some RTV, gasket maker, or some other home brew solution before I spent serious money on it.

People that are not familiar with turning wrenches have a sort of paranoia about these vehicles (and I see the same phenomena in the Porsche world, as well) that doesn't seem to exist with brands like Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc. But, they are really no different than anything else running around on four wheels and the same techniques apply to all; diagnose the problem, access the problem, correct the problem. Then, reassemble, and wait for the next problem....

Save yourself some money and swing by Autozone and ask them for the gasket maker stuff that comes in a tube. Clean the area of the drip, smother some on there and see what happens.

I agree with Avslash 125%...crawl under the car and see exactly whats happening under there. You might be able to fix the problem yourself and get familiar with the fill plug so you can also top it off anytime. I'm surprised it took up to a quart if you say "no leak but transfer case wetness" . Wetness usually dont result to a quart. Get a cloth with some solvent and clean around the entire area then drive a few days and check again to see if you can spot the exact area of the leak or wetness then check the internet/Youtube for a fix. check out the video below..

 

[g2huangb]

I have similar leak on my 2016 L405 SC, is this actually the front transfer case? I checked it is not the transmission. The color of the fluid is black, smells and feels light. Location right next to the transmission (towards to back of the car), seems same body as the transfer case: