Fluid Weeping from Transfer Case 97 Pathfinder

[A1218]

Hey guys so after spending a while under the pathy looking for the front end clunking noise, I also discovered that some transmission fluid is weeping from the transfer case. It’s around two bolts at the bottom of it towards the middle of the transfer case.

Its coming from around the two bolts it seems cause theres some fluid on the bolt as well as the seam below.

Seems to have just started, not sure when but it doesn't drip, but it is wet and is definitely transfer case fluid. It is a bit brown in color, I have never changed that fluid.

Pic below in the link

https://imgur.com/gallery/MxmWNos

[mdmellott]

Change the fluid. I use Castrol Transmax High Mileage ATF in my AT and transfer case because of the seal conditioners in this fluid. I also add Lucas Transmission Fix because of its quality additives, one of which stops most seal leaks. https://lucasoil.com/products/problem-s ... ission-fix
The alternative is a complete tear down of the transfer case to replace the leaking seal.

[A1218]

I’ll try that first. The additives doesn’t damage anything in transfer case?

How much of the additive do you add?

I’ve heard of people changing the fluid and not being able to get back in the same amount? I know it takes 2 quarts and change.

Is this something I can do in my driveway without issues?

[A1218]

In addition to the previous post, my manual says dexron fluid for the transfer case. And the transmission uses matic D.

So will the Castrol trans max high mileage be fine? It says it’s good to use in Nissan requiring matic D but doesn’t say anything about Dexron.

[mdmellott]

Castrol Transmax High Mileage ATF is compatible with both Dexron, Matic-D, and others. Here is the product data sheet from Castrol for all the details. https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/Fusi ... AFE8TS.pdf I've been using it for about 20 years now, in my old '91 Pathfinder, now resting in pieces, and currently in my '02. The Lucas Transmission Fix is compatible with all types of ATF except CVT types. For your transfer case, you'll only need to use half a bottle (12oz). Put the rest in your AT, this product is an excellent additive. It will do no harm to any components in your transmission or transfer case.

Your transfer case has a drain plug in its bottom and a fill plug on its side. Your car needs to be level in your driveway while you fill the ATF. Fill it up until the ATF starts to flow out of the fill hole. The bottom edge of the hole is the full capacity level position so you need to be sure the car is level before you begin or else you may add too much or not enough.

As for the 'put in the same amount as what you take out' way of thinking. It's not a bad idea but I find it more of pain and potentially unreliable. No matter what year, make, or model, all vehicles should have their motor oil, gear oil, and ATF filled while the car is level and there is always a full capacity indicator of some sort. (i.e. dipstick or bottom edge of a fill hole) I never pay much attention to what I take out. Only what I put in and how I put it in.

[A1218]

Thanks for the info mdmellott. Will being doing it this week. Let you know my results.

One more thing, when I drained and refilled my transmission fluid earlier in the year it’s up to the hot line even when cold. I used genuine Nissan fluid. Now is this too much that was added? And to add the remaining 12oz of the Lucas transmission fix on top? Should I drain back again?

[mdmellott]

If you have cycled the shift lever through all the gears while the transmission was cold and the engine is running and the fluid level measures high on the dipstick at the hot range, it sounds like you already have too much ATF in your transmission. Just before checking the fluid level, you should cycle the shift lever through all the gears (R,D,1,2) a couple of times each, holding at each position for about three seconds before placing the lever back in Park, to ensure that the entirety of the transmission's components are filled with fluid, and then immediately check the fluid level while the engine is running. Too much ATF in the transmission could make the seals leak. Same goes for the engine oil, transfer case fluid, and gear oil. Drain some out if there is too much and then add the Lucas product. Repeat the gear cycling steps before adding fluid, to check for an accurate level reading, so you know about how much more to add before it is full.

[A1218]

So I’ll cycle through the gears while cold and check back it’s level.

I did do that when filling it and it was fine. Maybe I am just checking it wrong now.

And if there was a bit too much, do I just slack the bolt on the pan to remove some?

Thanks

[mdmellott]

The AT dipstick has a fill level indication range for cold and another indication for hot. You can check it either way. If there is too much, drain some out from the pan. It's a messy task but if you wear nitrile or latex gloves, and do this while it's cold so you don't scald your hand with hot fluid while quickly putting the drain plug back in to stop the draining, it's not so bad. Just remember, the engine being hot has nothing to do with the transmission temperature. The transmission will be cold unless you drive it for at least 15 minutes or so just before checking the fluid level. Doing this fluid level check while the transmission is hot is a good way to double check the fluid level after you have filled and verified the level while it was cold.

[A1218]

Guess I was checking it wrong. Didn’t drive since yesterday so just checked it before starting cold and it was at the hot hash marks.

But when I started cold then went through the gears several times each holding 3 seconds then went back to check. It was only at the cold hash marks. Didn’t go up to the hot. So I guess everything’s good?

So just add the remaining 12oz Lucas trans fix to the transmission fluid without draining some still?

[mdmellott]

So just add the remaining 12oz Lucas trans fix to the transmission fluid without draining some still?

The hatch marking area on the dipstick, indicating the acceptable cold range of your fluid, accounts for about 1 pint of ATF. If your current dipstick reading is at the low end of the range, then just add the extra 12oz of Lucas. If your reading is currently at the upper end of the range, you might want to consider draining a bit out before adding anymore. You make the call.