United StatesCommentsAbout 4-6 months ago, I replaced the fluid in the transfer case of my 2001 Pathfinder. It had about 110,000 miles on it at the time, and this was the first time i replaced the fluid. The spec calls for nissan d-matic, which is very similar to Dexron 3. I actually used a Valvoline Multi purpose synthetic for high miles trans fluid that works very well in the trans for this vehicle. About 2 motnsh ago I noticed a small drip of ATF fluid. I did not notice any leak on the t-case itself, but I do have to look closer. What i am wondering is if it possible that the synth fluid may have done soemthing to the seals, and if so, can i use some leftover Auto-RX in the transfer case to perhaops swell the seals back to shape? The t-case capacity is 3-1/8 quarts or 3 liters, so if i can use auto-rx, how much would you recommend and what change interval. I have about 8 ounces left from a freshly opened bottle and i would drain the current fluid and fill with basic dex 3 fluid. Thanks in advance for your help.
I am sorry to hear about your ATF drip. The very first thing to do is to find where the drip is coming from. Normally the transfer case is located somewhat parallel to the transmission, so it needs to be determined whether the leak is coming from the transmission or the transfer case. Both units use a very similar spec fluid so that the appearance of a deposit on the ground or garage floor would be similar.
Where Auto-Rx can be helpful is if the leak is occurring from a cylindrical seal, either the input shaft to the torque converter or the output shaft from the transfer case. If the leak is coming from a casing gasket, it is unlikely Auto-Rx will be helpful in stopping the leak. Again it is important to know where the leak is occurring.
In the case of a cylindrical seal, many times when changing out the fluid in the transfer case some debris that does not drain can get circulated around and find its way into the area of the seal nip along the rotational shafts, either input or export. Or if 4 wheel drive is seldom used the chain can dry out on the top side and create a minor rust situation that falls off into the fluid when 4 wheel drive is employed. A small flake that finds its way into the nip of the seal and the rotating shaft is all it takes to cause a minor, but irritating leak.
The procedure for using Auto-Rx in the transfer case is quite simple. In your case it would have been better to use this procedure before changing out the fluid, but is still very viable in a leak after the fact. The only reason I say this, is if you applied Auto-Rx before the fluid exchange you would have drained out a much higher level of contaminants when you did perform the fluid change, in the transfer case. The procedure is to run 1 fluid ounce per quart of oil capacity in the transfer case for 1000 miles, then change out the fluid. Auto-Rx will work fine with the synthetic fluid you have currently installed. The trans or transfer case is a sealed unit so to speak and has different deposits than what is produced in a motor that is constantly ingesting air and fuel.
I live in Florida, yet own a 4 wheel drive unit. I have four wheel drive only because I use some questionable boat ramps. Even though I rarely deploy the transfer case out of necessity, I find time to engage the 4 wheel function at least once per month to rotate the chain and shafts to keep them with a fresh film of oil and protect from corrosion. It is kind of like an emergency brake. For those that drive a straight drive the emergency brake is employed quite often. For those running automatic transmissions the emergency brake is seldom or never used. However, if you do need to employ the emergency brake the cable may be frozen. If not then it is likely not to release.
Let me know if I can further help you with this Auto-Rx application. But we really need to know where the leak is coming from.
