What happens to a leaking transfer case once it has run out of fluid?

Question

can you still drive it but not change gears? will it seize or make noise? can it damage other parts like the transmission or driveshafts?

Answer 1

if you drive with no fluid then you'll damage the gearings in the case it will grind away and ware your parts so if you like your car then i wouldnt sugest it

Answer 2

Not changing gears doesn't stop the t-case from working. Once it's out of oil, it's either going to seize or explode. Could easily damage the tranny and drive shafts. Could easily case an accident if the rear drive shaft drops when the t-case fails.

Answer 3

it will ruin any components that rely on the gear oil for friction protection will damage gears,bearing,chain,case.

Answer 4

Even before it runs out of oil completely it will dry up some of the parts and cause them to lose their hardfacing. That means even if you put oil in before it seizes/explodes you have ruined the internal components.

Right now you are looking at a seal that probably cost's 10 bucks, if it drys up you are looking at needing a whole new transfer case and no core credit on the old one. If you hear it you probably waited to long.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

gears are like pieces of metal that are getting slammed against each other at amazing rates of speed.  each time, tiny little bits of metal break off.  In addition to which, metal-on-metal means friction, lots of it.  Which means heat,  enough heat to melt steel.  This is why they always ride around in a bath of heavy oil.  Holds the bits of metal out of the way, and keeps 'em from melting and basically tearing the transfer case to shreds.  Maybe locking up and throwing your vehicle into the path of an oncoming Peterbuilt.

Answer 6

If ran long enough it will burn out the bearings.  Much cheaper to dump some cheap lube in it till you can get it fixed.  Need the vehicle info to help you any more than that.  C.

Answer 7

You will destroy the gears.  Its much cheaper to put a quart of oil in it than to down the vehicle, remove T-case, repair, and replace it.