Fluid leaking from transfer case

[uncas1]

I have a 2007 H3 automatic, 98000 miles. I just had a 3000 mile service done a week ago (oil change, tire rotation etc.) at my local GM dealer (former Hummer dealer). No problems at that time, but I took a long trip this weekend 175+ miles and noticed a burning fluid smell when I arrived home coming from underneath the vehicle. I went under it to look and saw a brown, chocolate colored fluid was coming from the transfer case, dripping down on the skid plate and spraying up onto the underside and transmission housing. I had no issues while driving, just the smell when I got home.

Taking it to the dealer tomorrow but would like to give them an idea of what it is before I have them go searching and charging. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[alrock]

Pics? Do you have any idea where it's leaking from?

The burning smell makes it sound more like a transmission issue than a transfer case issue as the t-case oil doesn't get that hot, unless maybe you've got almost none in the case and the internals get super hot. Maybe if the oil is spattering onto the exhaust.

 

[uncas1]

Pics? Do you have any idea where it's leaking from?

The burning smell makes it sound more like a transmission issue than a transfer case issue as the t-case oil doesn't get that hot, unless maybe you've got almost none in the case and the internals get super hot. Maybe if the oil is spattering onto the exhaust.

Yes, I have photos. It does appear as though it is splattering up on the exhaust causing the smell. It appears to be leaking from the Transfer case.

This photo shows the fluid splattered onto the Transmission housing and underside of the body

 

[uncas1]

This photo shows the Transfer case and the fluid dripping from it onto the skid plate.

 

[uncas1]

I also wanted to add that it's never been off road, always been in 4H.

 

[alrock]

Any news from the dealer?

 

[uncas1]

Actually taking it in this morning.

 

[4speedfunk]

Looks like a front driveshaft cv failure. The rubber boot often rips and centrifugal force flings the lube all over the place. Very common and easy to fix.
"Brown" fluid was the tip off. CV lube is the only brown colored fluid on the truck.
The joint can be replaced but, GM service will probably swap out the entire driveshaft with a new one. It takes ten-minutes and should cost around $500.

 

[uncas1]

Thanks 4speed, I just showed your post to the service rep, they're looking at it now. They haven't reported back to me yet. I'm having them do a transmission, transfer case and differential fluid change just to be safe.

 

[uncas1]

Transfer case input output seal.