Transfer case question

[eyewinder]

My 2001 Z71 pickup was recently diagnosed as having a pinhole leak in the transfer case that keeps it from holding fluid. So here's my question: can I drive the pickup and pull my boat with it in 2WD until I either replace the transfer case or trade vehicles?

If this is a stupid question, I apologize in advance--but I'm looking for a little breathing room before having to pull the trigger on another truck.

[jkbrink]

Originally Posted by eyewinder

My 2001 Z71 pickup was recently diagnosed as having a pinhole leak in the transfer case that keeps it from holding fluid. So here's my question: can I drive the pickup and pull my boat with it in 2WD until I either replace the transfer case or trade vehicles?

If this is a stupid question, I apologize in advance--but I'm looking for a little breathing room before having to pull the trigger on another truck.

If we were back on the farm, I'd locate the pinhole, mark it and drain the transfer case down below the leak. Totally clean the area with a wire brush, wipe it down with lacquer thinner or acetone and let it dry. After that, depending on the size of the pinhole take a very short sheetmetal screw, coat it well with silicone gasket maker and turn it into the hole. Next day refill the transfer case and drive it like you stole it- - -jerr

[eyewinder]

jkbrink:

Great "old school" fix. . .and if I were certain that there had been no damage already to the transfer case "innards" caused by running it w/o fluid for a short time, I'd really be tempted. But I've still gotta know whether it can be driven in 2WD without doing further damage.

[Jerryv]

How fast does it leak? If you keep filling it up, there will be no problem. Some of the parts are still spinning in 2WD and need lubrication so I wouldn't drive it with no fluid.

Jerry

[eyewinder]

I believe the hole is located where flluid is lost (mostly) while under power. So, if I'm interpreting correctly, a patch and fill would likely get me where I'm going in 2WD until I can get another pickup?

Thnx,
eyewinder

[REW]

Patch the case.
JB weld will work just fine. Drain the fluid. Use acetone to completly clean the case in the area of the hole. Use JB weld wsith a couple of layers, curing between coats to seal the hole.

Let dry for a day, fill with fluid and go driving.

Not a good idea to drive in either 2 or 4 wheel drive without fluid in the transfer case.

REW

Originally Posted by eyewinder

jkbrink:

Great "old school" fix. . .and if I were certain that there had been no damage already to the transfer case "innards" caused by running it w/o fluid for a short time, I'd really be tempted. But I've still gotta know whether it can be driven in 2WD without doing further damage.

If there is already damage, it's too late to worry about it now. Patch the hole, fill the transfer case and run it. Look at it this way- - how's your luck been running lately? When you're hot, you're hot, if not you'll look like a duffer- - g'luck- - - jerr

[dog2]

do not drive it there are several bearings in there that could seize . If you can see the hole do as suggested clean it , screw it, jb it . If it is a pourous crack clean it take a file and lightly make a grove following the crack to help the j b hold ,then make sure the fluid level is lower than the repair spot clead it good with brake cleaner and a brush and layer the jb weld allow cure time between coats, refill w/fluid. just hope you didnt damage the bearings before you found out you had a .leak

[fireboat]

Originally Posted by eyewinder

My 2001 Z71 pickup was recently diagnosed as having a pinhole leak in the transfer case that keeps it from holding fluid. So here's my question: can I drive the pickup and pull my boat with it in 2WD until I either replace the transfer case or trade vehicles?

If this is a stupid question, I apologize in advance--but I'm looking for a little breathing room before having to pull the trigger on another truck.

You have a bigger problem. Google "transfer case pump rub through". There is a metal clip that has rubbed the hole in your transfer case. There is an aftermarket repair kit but the transfer case needs to be removed and cracked open. The repair will last the life of the truck. Don't let the dealer fix it. The factory part will rub through again. JB Weld is a band aid fix but in a pinch it will work. The transfer case is a magnesium alloy so welding it is difficult. The chain & gears are moving all the time, doesn't matter if it's in 2 of 4 wheel drive. Don't drive without fluid in the transfer case, you will ruin it beyond repair. The rub through usually shows up around 100,000 miles even if you never use 4wd. It's a common problem in all GM trucks.

[eyewinder]

FB:

My wife did the Google thing and discovered the information that you mention.

She also talked to GM customer service, and they treated the whole issue like new information, and a one-of-a-kind problem.

If I had the aftermarket fix done by a mechanic other than the dealer, would the mechanic be able to determine the extent of damage to working parts visually while working on the fix?