2024 Trailhunter- Transfer Case pressurized on fluid change

[rchrds]

So I found this interesting- I was finally getting around to doing my 15k mile service- which includes the front/rear dif and transfer case oil. I always crack open the fill port first (to make sure I can, before I drain) and when I went to open the transfer case fill, it was pressurized. Gas escaped as I unscrewed the fill bolt. 40 years of working on Toyota transfer cases, and I never once have found a pressurized transfer case. The truck had been sitting for three weeks, and had not been started in that time, so it's not like it was hot. Even still- I thought the transfer case had a pressure vent routed up into the engine bay? Seems like it might be blocked up or something.

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[StreeTaco]

Hmm,, interesting. I’ve witnessed vacuum on gear boxes, but never positive pressure. At least it’s sealed up tight!

 

[StreeTaco]

Are you going back with Toyota fluids? If so ,what type goes where?

 

[rchrds]

Are you going back with Toyota fluids? If so ,what type goes where?

I did not go with Toyota, only because my local dealership didn't have any- and told me it would be weeks to get, which I don't really believe, but then I'm convinced I have the worst local dealership on the planet. (Chattanoga.) I cropped the manual pages below, the closest I could find was 75W-90 oil, and I used that in the xfer and both diffs, same thing I used to do on my 2004- so hopefully it won't be an issue. My recommendation is go get all the replacement fill/drain gaskets first- it's quite the collection of different types of washers- one copper, two solid aluminum and three of the crush aluminum types.

 

[StreeTaco]

How did the old fluid look?

 

[rchrds]

How did the old fluid look?

Good, light gold on the axles, clear on the transfer, large piles of shavings on the front and rear magnets, but that’s expected on the first change after breakin- I don’t get concerned unless that continues.

 

[StreeTaco]

Nice.
Just for reference, just found both fluids on Amazon.. readily available. Your dealer, as most,, is in their own little world.

 

[rchrds]

If that’s the case I’ll do that for the next 15k.

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