rgonyer

iTrader: (16)

2006 IX MR with about 6k miles (But has had a bit of an unknown life as it was in an accident). I believe the miles to be accurate.

So I've got some drivetrain noises I'm trying to diagnose. Drained the rear end, looks fine. Magnet had a few chips on it which I would expect.

Get to the transfer case, and there's a lot of oil scattered around underneath the car in that area. I thought here's the problem, the oil leaked out of the TC. Well, I drained the TC and there was plenty of fluid in it. However, the drain plug did not have a magnet. I have never changed the TC fluid before, but I was under the impression it should have a magnet.

So far that's all I've done. I've checked all the fluids (Except for the trans as I do not have a 10mm allen head socket), and they all seem fine. Any thoughts on what this stuff could be? I thought maybe it could still be from the accident, but that was over 2 years ago so I don't think it would still be dripping.

Thanks for any opinions! I've had 3 Evo's, but really haven't kept any in the past long enough to work on them. I knew this one would be a bit of a challenge when I got it, but I think it will come around.

rgonyer

iTrader: (16)

No one can tell me if the TC drain plug should have a magnet?

Hi Im Vinh

iTrader: (12)

Yes it should have a magnet, well mine did when I changed my TC fluid...

biggie5252

iTrader: (47)

It does have a magnet, but it's not the same type of magnet as the rear end.

yahu

iTrader: (55)

Mine has a magnet, and they all should have one. It is possible the plug was replaced with one that does not have a magnet. No idea what the fluid in that area could have been.

Clean it up really well, use brake cleaner on the surrounding area on the car, make sure a gasket is in place with the plug, and put a paper towel down under that area and see what happens in a day or so.

iTune

iTrader: (3)

Yes, the TC should have a magnet on the oil drain plug. I believe it's recessed on the TC, so it's flush with the threads, if my memory serves me correctly.

rgonyer

iTrader: (16)

Thanks everyone, I'll look at it a little closer in the morning. It def. doesn't look like the rear end magnet.... but flush with the threads as you said. I'll see if it's magnetized!

iTune

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, take a rag and wipe it off. If there are very little shavings on the magnet, this is a good thing. Means that TC is healthy(all else considered). The shavings should look almost like graphite and should have the same consistency as well. If there are large chunks of metal on the magnet, then you might have a problem.

1badgsex

iTrader: (23)

^^^ couldn't of said it better !

rgonyer

iTrader: (16)

Okay it did have a magnet, but is flush as you said. And not nearly as strong as the one in the rear dif.

Thanks!