Transfer Case Pressure - A Problem?

Apologize for the repost to a different thread, but didn't get any bites -- if this isn't cool, just let me know for future reference.

Recently changed the fluids on my front/rear diff and transfer case. Been driving it lightly for about a week and got under there today to check my work for leaks, etc. (because I'm OCD) and saw just a wee bead of fluid around the fill plug of the transfer case. So I unscrew it to check and as I do, there is a sound of air escaping like opening a can of soda. Transfer case oil comes out in a light steady but not concerning stream. I let it run until it's barely weeping out. Retightened to specs with torque wrench.

Question: Is this normal? Maybe a clogged breather? Overfilled transmission?

Runner was cold when I did this and couldn't tell if it was positive or negative (vacuum) pressure.

 

the plugs are cleaning it then torque it ..the plugs are a metal gasket of the toyota ..

 

As I understand it, breathers with the factory check valves are pulled shut as the diff or TC cool down quickly. So your sound could have been vacuum.

I think the breather for the TC and trans terminates under the hood, on the drivers side, between the engine and wheel well. Would be easy to check they move easily.

 

Thanks for the response McSpaz -- yeah, I checked the breathers and they were clean and spun freely. I'm hoping I'm just being OCD since I've just now started working on my runner and I'm not too familiar with the little ins and outs of the the transmission/transfer case. Others seem to think that vacuum pressure may be normal.

 

I wouldn’t sweat it unless you’re one of those guys that prefers to cross a river with the 4Runner rather than a boat.

 

That isnt ocd,.. your just worrying about shit that does not matter. That isnt ocd. Run the thing, you are fine.

Also, if you just RnR'd fluid in both front and rear diffs, and transfer case, what would that have to do with a "over filled transmission" ???

 

Appreciate the response Kyblack, and I agree, probably way overthinking it. I also recently did the transmission (drain & fill) , but it was pretty straightforward and I have a scan tool. It's just I'm a little new to regular maintenance procedures, even though I can turn a wrench - so I always wonder about the little things I don't know and I'm super OCD about doing something wrong and messing up my Runner.

 

Ahh, you didnt mention trans in the op. Im sure you are fine mate,.... go out and run the thing. Happy adventures boss.