Too Much Fluid In Transfer Case?

[radman]

My 99 Eddie 5.0 AWD has 90K on it now and I thought I would do it a favor and change the fluid in the transfer case. I removed the top plug (fill hole) first which is supposed to be the upper fill level and fluid came gushing out. I bought this car new and no one has touched the transfer case until today.

It appears to be over full. Can transmission fluid get into the the transfer case? Is there a seal at the rear shaft of the transmission to keep transmission fluid from getting into the transfer case?

About 8 years ago I had a shifting problem and found the transmission 1 quart low on fluid and no apparent leak. I did not think much about it but same thing happened about a year ago, fluid lose no leak.

What do you think?
Mike

 

[66427]

Did you buy it new, are you sure nobody changed or added?

 

[drdoom]

No rear transmission seal on that unit as far as I know. I would definitely be checking the vent hoses for obstructions & integrity. And get that fluid out of that case ASAP, because I have seen the AWD transfer case, the ones with the shorty nipple vent, take on water essentially running the lower bearings in water. The bearings of course fail.

 

[radman]

66427...Yes I bought this car new and do all my own service and oil changes. I can not see how the fluid level can be higher than the fill plug opening.

drdoom....The fluid that came gushing out was clear red in color and looked like new. If it had water in it I would expect it to be milky and discolored. This car has never been in water higher than the sidewall of the tires. Thanks for the answer about the trans seal, I will drain all fluid out and replenish with new Mercon 5.