need to clean oil of transfer and gearbox

Hi guys

I have a leaking transfer and gearbox and would like to clean them off so I can get a better idea of where the problems are, I think the transfer box is from the inspection cover but not 100% and I have no idea at the moment on the gearbox. They have a lot of crap and oil all over them so I would like to clean it off as best I can to help aid me in finding the problems.

Can you advise me on what would be the best way to do this, I am happy to do it by hand but need to know if there is a product on the market that may make my life easier.

Many thanks

Take it to a car wash that can put it on a lift and steam clean it.

They might even let you run it on the ramp and have a look for leaks

Hi thanks for your reply
I had a feeling that might be my only option, I wonder where ill find one of them tho, I am in east sussex. ill have a google now.

Gunk or brake cleaner will do it but it's a messy job.
Griff

Landmark2 said:

Gunk or brake cleaner will do it but it's a messy job.
Griff

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I may try this fist as It seems hard to find a place to stem clean around east sussex. thanks for the tip

go to a heavy vehicle mechanic they have steam cleaners ,, will be better than wasting time at a mechanic`s that has a $200 Katcher machine ,,
You need steam to cut through the crap ,, they usually have a large ramp so you can get under but if you are going to do it ,, you will get very dirty and its not cheap

Get decent pair of ramps and go to your local jet wash.
Spray some good degreaser all over it before you set off.
Pay for the jet wash and put it on the ramps spray some more degreaser on and blast away.
You wont get it all off but should get a good bit off.
Check for the usual leaks input and output shaft seals are the main problem areas.

Just get under the vehicle with a scraper and an old kitchen baking dish, hold the dish under whilst you scrape away the heavy stuff, once the bulk is off use a stiff brush and some water soluble degreaser, if you can, borrow a small pressure washer to blast it all away as a way to finish it cleanly, but a garden hose with a nozzle and a reasonable bit of water pressure works ok too, it will be the most convenient and inexpensive way to do the job, it only requires a bit of "elbow grease", you may be a bit uncomfortable and get a bit dirty and damp, but it's a good way to learn your way about the underside of the vehicle.
The majority of the leak will most likely be from the transfer case intermediate shaft, the sump plate on the transfer case rarely leaks much oil.
Unfortunately the intermediate shaft seals though cheap and simple can only be fitted with the transfer case out.

Forgot to mention also, check the gearbox and transfer case breather pipes, they come up the firewall into the engine bay, and can get burnt on the exhaust manifold, if they are blocked or closed off in any way it causes pressure build up in the boxes and forces oil out the seals at a greater rate.

Have you thought about the Karcher chassis washer.
I find it very good. When I took the Dico for waxoyling the garage didn't,t have to do any further cleaning.
Google Karcher and have a look.

I have just purchased a fresh transfer box from a breakers and it was very grubby. I used a bit of diesel in a tub and a paint brush and coated it with that. I let it sit for a bit then brushed it until it looked reasonably clean, then pressure washed it and it looks almost like new!

Shane