Transfer box oil seal leak?

I was under the J today and noticed a feint line of oil going across the under side of the floor pan right above where the prop bolts onto the transfer box output.

Looking closer I noticed a small amount of oil on the flange (or whatever the correct term is) which is being flung around when driving. It's only a small amount though. Hopefully you can make it out on the photo below.

m.flickr.com/photos/93589760@N06/8650361234/

So my question is, is this a failed oil seal? Would that allow oil to run through the output shaft and out where the prop bolts on?

If it is, do I need to take out the transfer box or can I change the seal in situ?

GuardianAngel wrote:
So my question is, is this a failed oil seal? Would that allow oil to run through the output shaft and out where the prop bolts on?

If it is, do I need to take out the transfer box or can I change the seal in situ?

The oil seal is on the outside of the flange, any leak would dribble out between the aluminium housing and the rusty part of the flange to the left of where your oil is.

You may find that the nut inside the flange has come undone and the flange is loose on the splined shaft, or the oil is somehow coming from the CV joint to the right.


Edit: Pictures don't work yet

Just undo the 4 bolts and lower the propshaft down and see what happens

I just changed my 2nd oil seal in the exact same place. Not bothered yet to replace the shaft, although I'm beginning to wonder if there's a reason Suzuki sells them together (seal + shaft) as some other members mentioned.

Thanks all for the responses.

Renard cheers for the photos, I get the idea of how to do it now. What size is the locking nut? I have a limited set of tools so will probably have to go and buy a socket :pinch:

Great pictures Renard!