Leaky Transfer Case 99 E320.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E320 Wagon
Leaky Transfer Case 99 E320.
Soooo - just picked up a 99 E320 Wagon for my soon-to-return to the States Sister and Brother in Law. Car has 104K miles - all in all - pretty good shape. BUT - I have what appears to be a leak/seepage from the transfer case. I'm not worried about the aesthetics of my driveway here - I'm more worried about handing over a car that is going to crap itself and die two weeks after they return.
So I got the following questions (and I am a complete MB novice): one - does the transfer case share ATF with the rest of the transmission, or are they independent systems? Two - how hard a job is it to refill the case, if it's independent? I ask that question because - in my Brother In Laws Words: this thing only really needs to last a couple years....after that, it's likely going to be my Niece's first car when she hits 16. So nursing it along is totally an option - if it isn't going to require a degree in mechanical engineering to do so.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
So I got the following questions (and I am a complete MB novice): one - does the transfer case share ATF with the rest of the transmission, or are they independent systems? Two - how hard a job is it to refill the case, if it's independent? I ask that question because - in my Brother In Laws Words: this thing only really needs to last a couple years....after that, it's likely going to be my Niece's first car when she hits 16. So nursing it along is totally an option - if it isn't going to require a degree in mechanical engineering to do so.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E320 Wagon
So if I read you correctly - the transfer case and A/T are on the same lubrication system - and if you check fluid levels using the tool, then you know when to top it up/it will take care of the transfer case as well?
I actually was out with a buddy of mine on Saturday - and he has the official tool: fluid levels were fine, and I will probably pick up an official tool and show my brother in law how to use it. That way - figure he can nurse it along until the work can be done in a year. Does that sound sane?
Yeah - *highly* doubt my niece will ever work on a car - but who knows - maybe I will be surprised!
I actually was out with a buddy of mine on Saturday - and he has the official tool: fluid levels were fine, and I will probably pick up an official tool and show my brother in law how to use it. That way - figure he can nurse it along until the work can be done in a year. Does that sound sane?
Yeah - *highly* doubt my niece will ever work on a car - but who knows - maybe I will be surprised!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
the transfer case does not share tranny fluid.
It is a separate entity and as such, you only have a little more than half a liter of fluid to leak out. In my experience, the transfer cases weep a bit. If you get a bit of wetness, no big deal. If you have any dripping, it could get dangerous.
Depending on the model you have, it could be pretty easy or a bit of a pain to refill.
Only real way to judge level is to fill it till the fluid runs out.
It is a separate entity and as such, you only have a little more than half a liter of fluid to leak out. In my experience, the transfer cases weep a bit. If you get a bit of wetness, no big deal. If you have any dripping, it could get dangerous.
Depending on the model you have, it could be pretty easy or a bit of a pain to refill.
Only real way to judge level is to fill it till the fluid runs out.
