Drive Shaft Seal Mechanic Excuse

Discofever88

Member
Dec 15, 2014
17
3
Texas
hey guys I recently brought my LR3 in for some transmission work that required the transmission to be taken out to remove a pan bolt that I had broken on the front of the pan. Everything was good but a day later I noticed a spot on my driveway that wasn't there before. Took a peak underneath and noticed a leak on the transfer case. I brought it back to the mechanic to take a look since I know you have to move the transfer case to remove the transmission. They took a look and said it wasn't their fault because they didn't touch the "transfer case" and said it was caused by a worn bearing. Does this sound reasonable? I think they just don't want to do an expensive job for free. I mean I only drove it 30 miles after picking it up and it definitely wasn't leaking before I brought it to them since I was under it for 6 hours messing this the trans pan. Thank guys!
 
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jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,008
361
35
Los Angeles, Ca
I don't think you need to remove the transfer case to remove the transmission on an LR3 if you aren't replacing the transmission.

Where specifically is the leak on the transfer case?
 
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discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
You do not have to take the transfer case
I don't think you need to remove the transfer case to remove the transmission on an LR3 if you aren't replacing the transmission.

Where specifically is the leak on the transfer case?
I don't think you have to remove the t case either. I think pulling the trans out of an LR3 is about the worst job to do on them.
 
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Discofever88

Member
Dec 15, 2014
17
3
Texas
Wh

What if it was already leaking but ran out of fluid. Then the guy doing the job filled it back up during the repair. I honestly don't think theres much more than could have caused the leak to start now.

I gotcha. I dont think they filled it up because they said they didnt touch the transfer case. I just thought the transfer case had to come out if they were pulling the transmission. I already paid $2000 now it's going to be around another $2000 for a leak that wasn't there before. I'm just covering all my bases since the first phone call they said the seal leak was covered under warranty and they would fix it no cost. Then the mechanic called a day later and said "this is a big expensive job. We didn't cause it".
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
I gotcha. I dont think they filled it up because they said they didnt touch the transfer case. I just thought the transfer case had to come out if they were pulling the transmission. I already paid $2000 now it's going to be around another $2000 for a leak that wasn't there before. I'm just covering all my bases since the first phone call they said the seal leak was covered under warranty and they would fix it no cost. Then the mechanic called a day later and said "this is a big expensive job. We didn't cause it".
That sucks. That seal is kind of a bitch. You have to split the transfer case and release the front drive flange from inside. Without the right tool you usually end up with two people and a few little screwdrivers trying to release the retainer ring so the flange will slide out of the bearing. Then the other part of the problem is the fact that if the seal is leaking, that bearing is suspect.
 
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jlgomez27

New member
Apr 23, 2020
1
0
Allen. Texas
Actually, the transfer case does have to be removed before the transmission. You would have to look at it closer to see where the fluid is coming from, front output shaft seal, transfer case input seal or rear output seal. It could also be the sealant where both halves are assemble together which is not rare.
 

Discofever88

Member
Dec 15, 2014
17
3
Texas
Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm just a paranoid individual and haven't taken a car to the mechanic in years so its taking getting use to haha the shop is a great shop I just wanted to double check.
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
Actually, the transfer case does have to be removed before the transmission. You would have to look at it closer to see where the fluid is coming from, front output shaft seal, transfer case input seal or rear output seal. It could also be the sealant where both halves are assemble together which is not rare.
Your right about looking for the real source of the leak. The trans cooler lines are up there. They get left against stuff and rub thru near the front diff.
But I think you can get the trans and t case out together. I'm 100% sure on LR4 they come out together. I agree it's easier, safer, and better to split them. But I work with a guy who just recently did it to replace a torque converter.