Great Video, I'll tell you now that you didn't have to do all the extra work. Grind down that right flange or break it. If you're throwing it away anyways go ahead and break a piece off that corner. I used an air hammer. The second bolt on the left top behind the housing, you can't get a socket on it but you can get a stubby 14mm wrench on it and use a pry bar to break loose the bolt. I used the closed end ratcheting side. You won't be able to take the bolt out till you loosen it up enough to push the bracket up towards the right. Slide the transfer case over and you'll get to a lower spot and be able to take the last bolt out. After that I just wiggled it out. I didn't have to take anything off on the top side. If you have 1/2 extensions and universal sockets you can get to all the 17mm nuts and bolts holding it to the casing. I watched your video and told myself I really didn't want to do all those extra steps you did to get those last 2 bolts on that bracket. So folks, reading this comment it can be done without the extra work. But thanks again for the video because I wanted to see how you got the two bracket bolts out. I do have a lift so it makes things a lot easier, still I think even on the ground, I'd do it my way as well. Just wanted to share my experience.
Both the video and the above comments are really helpful. Can anyone tell me if the same info applies to removing the transfer case from a 2007 RAV4 3.5 AWD? I have yet to find anyone who has actually done this without pulling the engine and trans.
On a 2003 lexus rx 300 you have to move the trans back no matter what. The case can't slide out all the way because it hits the side of the engine . Such a bummer , I did exactly as you did to get the mount out and it worked but the case just won't slide all the way out .
milwaukee makes that lithium strait grinder with the 1 inch cut off blades,my tech just cut the intermediat bracket this week on 08 rav 4,so I get you guys on some of this.thats why I want a firebird .lol
Thank you for posting this video !! I have a 2004 AWD Sienna 3.3L that has a leaking front transfer case, it has 108,000 miles, (the shop told me they wanted to charge me 12 hours + for labor and about $2100 for a new transfer case )
I had the pleasure of doing one of these today on a RX350. follow this video and when it's time to pull the transfer case out, use a prybar between the engine and transmission on the transfer case side to give a little more clearance and it slides right out.
I'm having an issue doing this right now, it seems like the shaft is coming out of the transfer case side instead of the transmission side. Had it backed way out, but it wouldn't drop. The farther I got it out, the more it tried to rotate towards the front of the car. Any suggestions?
As per you rant - yes, many Toyota vehicles do last forever, just not AWD ones. If one absolutely needs Japanese AWD vehicle and doesn't wanna have a hassle fixing AWD, much better idea is to buy Subaru. Gotta be ready for head gasket issues though.
sounds like youve read too much internet. Subaru engines suck fucking ass but their drivetrain is amazing. So you got it partially correct i suppose. Regardless 3rd gen sienna awd isnt bad and the 2gr is bulletproof.
I don’t think loosening the transmission bolts were necessary. If you take out the transmission mount from the bottom passenger side. You will have plenty of space to reach the bolt on top of the transfer case. Loosening the transmission bolts is definitely more work. It’s is not going to make it easier to come out.
That is an absolute nightmare of Toyota design, thanks for showing us how to remove the transfer case. In my case, I would need to do all that to just remove (1) side bolt for 1 of the crank bearing caps. What a horrible design.
I'm working on my 2010 Toyota Matrix AWD 2.4L with a U140F transmission. Does the transfer case and drive shaft need to be removed in order for the transmission to separate from the engine?
To remove the transmission, you need cv axles off but transfer case AND transmission can go out at the same time. To take out engine, you just need to detach transmission from the engine. I also left an ans in your comment under watch?v=8zIG-afFSjE
@@jcisar CV axles are "plugged" into transmission in 4x2 drive cars. In 4x4, (extra component) transfer case is involved to drive / transfer power to the rear 2 wheels. Transmission is attached to engine. So answer is NO if you just want the engine out. But in some cases, you may have to remove cv axles and tranny for the sake of easiness. If you are doing overhaul, you might as well replace stuffs
@@jcisar Being said that, check your model ... search youtube, to make sure you don't miss other stuffs like Hybrid model additional components. I don't own Matrix
I like my 2007 highlander awd with only 56k miles. It had the same problem and I paid big bucks to fix the problem. The mechanic had to drop the transmission to work on it. I don't know how long the new seal will last. Should I get rid of it? This car is almost problem free except this one. Everytime I drive this for vacation trip I am always worried about this leak. If this leak happens during a long trip all the transmission oil will eventually leak then I will be stranded.
If you see leak always top off every time you drive to your long destination. Normally it slow drip only so keep top off it will save your transfer case.
Question. I plan to change my transfer case fluid with 80w 90 as owner manual recommended but since my 2010 toyota venza is very similar to ur video, its bolted with transmission but have its own drain and fill plugs. It is not the same fluid as the transmission right? When you took it out ( transfer case) i dont see a lot of leakage especailly from trans.
Hey friend, any recommendations, I have a 2011 Siena, it has a leak in the transfer case, I already bought a new one and put it in, change the seals on the front axle and it still continues to leak oil and I have looked for it everywhere and it always comes from there and it has been disassembled already 3 You see putting everything right in its place and it always leaks. What else do you think it could be? That's just where it leaks. We've already reviewed it with my nephew and we're still finding out what it could be.
If you dont remove the passenger side motor mount and have a straight clear shot of installing the passenger side axle, you will knick or damage the transfer case seal in between the transfer case and transmission, resulting in gear oil leaking, fixed 2 of these from other shops in the last year, hope this helps.
I had somebody change the transfer case on my 2007 Sienna now it works great again but after I checked its leaking oil from the transfer case. how can I know where is it leaking from? also I asked the mechanic who worked on it and he said it doesn't need any gaskets I want to fix the problem before it breaks on me again please help if any one knows how to fix it? thank you
Im doing the same thing but the different im limited to tools i have alot of tools so many different if tools but they are not in my hand right now also im working on the uneven floor plus Seized engine where im un able to turn the trans i want to replace the engine im taking the engine from top what do you think I should do?
I'm never done the 2grfe engine remove up to the top but it should be able to. If you seize engine u have to remove both tranny and engine out in one piece so you can break the engine block outside to be able to turn the crankshaft. Uneven ground will be very hard to move your hoist around. Good luck buddy
I have done this 2x now. Use stout 4x8 sheets of plywood for a redneck driveway. Its intimidating but drop it out the bottom. Invest in a nice jack. 23-24 inch lift. Actually a pair of jacks to lower the subframe assembly. Land the subframe on a pair of car dollies and schooch out the side.
The wet is from the transfer case or from the tranny or the engine. if it from the transfer then you need to check your fluid in the upper bolt of the transfer case. If low fluid then add it. If not low then mean the wet came some where else.
I did the job on a 2004 Sienna today. I would like to help others doing it the way I did without touching the transmission, left axle shaft, air cleaner box, battery, starter and transmission mount. After removing the right brake caliper, brake rotor, steering knuckle and axle shaft, bolts holding the transfer case to the transmission and the smaller bracket above the bigger one with the troublesome bolt, I had my wife position a crowbar along the edge of the bigger bracket. Then I took a cutting torch and heated the troublesome bolt head until it was melting. As my wife pried the crowbar, and I heated the bolt, the bracket moved rearward enough to slide a one blade hacksaw behind the bracket to cut the bolt. After cutting the bolt and lowering the transfer case, I was able to remove the rest of the bolt from the mount boss by hand. When I reintall the replacement transfer case, I will put a short stud in the block and put a skinnier nut on it for the next guy. I wanted to youtube this but I don't know how to. I did take pictures that I could forward anyone doing this job. Hope this will help out.
You can not just remove the transfer case and drive it because the axle go through the transfer case to the transmission. However, you can put fwd transmission to it.
Watching this, I wonder, is there enough space to back the transmission off enough to put in a new rear main crank seal without removing the transmission??
Thanks for the idea however after I air chiseled mine I replace the bolt with a stud and nut. Made it alot easier to put the mount back in. If anyone wants to chisel this bolt off, that bolt is friggin hard so take your time. also a small reciprocating saw will work as well with a diamond blade.
Great Video, I'll tell you now that you didn't have to do all the extra work. Grind down that right flange or break it. If you're throwing it away anyways go ahead and break a piece off that corner. I used an air hammer. The second bolt on the left top behind the housing, you can't get a socket on it but you can get a stubby 14mm wrench on it and use a pry bar to break loose the bolt. I used the closed end ratcheting side. You won't be able to take the bolt out till you loosen it up enough to push the bracket up towards the right. Slide the transfer case over and you'll get to a lower spot and be able to take the last bolt out. After that I just wiggled it out. I didn't have to take anything off on the top side. If you have 1/2 extensions and universal sockets you can get to all the 17mm nuts and bolts holding it to the casing. I watched your video and told myself I really didn't want to do all those extra steps you did to get those last 2 bolts on that bracket. So folks, reading this comment it can be done without the extra work. But thanks again for the video because I wanted to see how you got the two bracket bolts out. I do have a lift so it makes things a lot easier, still I think even on the ground, I'd do it my way as well. Just wanted to share my experience.
Both the video and the above comments are really helpful. Can anyone tell me if the same info applies to removing the transfer case from a 2007 RAV4 3.5 AWD? I have yet to find anyone who has actually done this without pulling the engine and trans.
On a 2003 lexus rx 300 you have to move the trans back no matter what. The case can't slide out all the way because it hits the side of the engine . Such a bummer , I did exactly as you did to get the mount out and it worked but the case just won't slide all the way out .
@@lute7563 yes it can be done
milwaukee makes that lithium strait grinder with the 1 inch cut off blades,my tech just cut the intermediat bracket this week on 08 rav 4,so I get you guys on some of this.thats why I want a firebird .lol
Great job. Thanks for posting. Make more videos!Its rare to see this clean and intelligent approach from A to Z.
americanrealitytoday thank you
Thank you for posting this video !! I have a 2004 AWD Sienna 3.3L that has a leaking front transfer case, it has 108,000 miles, (the shop told me they wanted to charge me 12 hours + for labor and about $2100 for a new transfer case )
If leaking check the drives haft seal maybe the ssal is bad
I had the pleasure of doing one of these today on a RX350. follow this video and when it's time to pull the transfer case out, use a prybar between the engine and transmission on the transfer case side to give a little more clearance and it slides right out.
I'm having an issue doing this right now, it seems like the shaft is coming out of the transfer case side instead of the transmission side. Had it backed way out, but it wouldn't drop. The farther I got it out, the more it tried to rotate towards the front of the car. Any suggestions?
Thank you very much for this video! What a lot of work for that one bolt, man!
As per you rant - yes, many Toyota vehicles do last forever, just not AWD ones. If one absolutely needs Japanese AWD vehicle and doesn't wanna have a hassle fixing AWD, much better idea is to buy Subaru. Gotta be ready for head gasket issues though.
sounds like youve read too much internet. Subaru engines suck fucking ass but their drivetrain is amazing. So you got it partially correct i suppose. Regardless 3rd gen sienna awd isnt bad and the 2gr is bulletproof.
I have worked on a lot a vehicles but these are the hardest I have ever repaired by far
I don’t think loosening the transmission bolts were necessary. If you take out the transmission mount from the bottom passenger side. You will have plenty of space to reach the bolt on top of the transfer case. Loosening the transmission bolts is definitely more work. It’s is not going to make it easier to come out.
That is an absolute nightmare of Toyota design, thanks for showing us how to remove the transfer case. In my case, I would need to do all that to just remove (1) side bolt for 1 of the crank bearing caps. What a horrible design.
You welcome
I'm working on my 2010 Toyota Matrix AWD 2.4L with a U140F transmission. Does the transfer case and drive shaft need to be removed in order for the transmission to separate from the engine?
To remove the transmission, you need cv axles off but transfer case AND transmission can go out at the same time. To take out engine, you just need to detach transmission from the engine. I also left an ans in your comment under watch?v=8zIG-afFSjE
@@zaiks0105 would the cv axles prevent the engine and transmission from separating? Thanks for your help.
@@jcisar CV axles are "plugged" into transmission in 4x2 drive cars. In 4x4, (extra component) transfer case is involved to drive / transfer power to the rear 2 wheels. Transmission is attached to engine.
So answer is NO if you just want the engine out. But in some cases, you may have to remove cv axles and tranny for the sake of easiness. If you are doing overhaul, you might as well replace stuffs
@@jcisar Being said that, check your model ... search youtube, to make sure you don't miss other stuffs like Hybrid model additional components. I don't own Matrix
Homemade axle pry bar?
I like my 2007 highlander awd with only 56k miles. It had the same problem and I paid big bucks to fix the problem. The mechanic had to drop the transmission to work on it. I don't know how long the new seal will last. Should I get rid of it? This car is almost problem free except this one. Everytime I drive this for vacation trip I am always worried about this leak. If this leak happens during a long trip all the transmission oil will eventually leak then I will be stranded.
If you see leak always top off every time you drive to your long destination. Normally it slow drip only so keep top off it will save your transfer case.
Thanks for the video it help me to refresh it second time at it
You welcome buddy
Question. I plan to change my transfer case fluid with 80w 90 as owner manual recommended but since my 2010 toyota venza is very similar to ur video, its bolted with transmission but have its own drain and fill plugs. It is not the same fluid as the transmission right? When you took it out ( transfer case) i dont see a lot of leakage especailly from trans.
No it's not the same type fluids as transmission that why it used 80w90 gear oil. The transmission used world standard transmission fluid.
Hey friend, any recommendations, I have a 2011 Siena, it has a leak in the transfer case, I already bought a new one and put it in, change the seals on the front axle and it still continues to leak oil and I have looked for it everywhere and it always comes from there and it has been disassembled already 3 You see putting everything right in its place and it always leaks. What else do you think it could be? That's just where it leaks. We've already reviewed it with my nephew and we're still finding out what it could be.
Did you get oem or after market parts. If after market parts may not exactly fit that could cause leaking.
@@alltsab They are her original pieces.
If you dont remove the passenger side motor mount and have a straight clear shot of installing the passenger side axle, you will knick or damage the transfer case seal in between the transfer case and transmission, resulting in gear oil leaking, fixed 2 of these from other shops in the last year, hope this helps.
@@blackboxrr6572 When you say engine packing, do you mean to disassemble the engine or how? friend explain me please thank you
I had somebody change the transfer case on my 2007 Sienna now it works great again but after I checked its leaking oil from the transfer case.
how can I know where is it leaking from?
also I asked the mechanic who worked on it and he said it doesn't need any gaskets
I want to fix the problem before it breaks on me again please help if any one knows how to fix it?
thank you
Im doing the same thing but the different im limited to tools i have alot of tools so many different if tools but they are not in my hand right now also im working on the uneven floor plus Seized engine where im un able to turn the trans i want to replace the engine im taking the engine from top what do you think I should do?
I'm never done the 2grfe engine remove up to the top but it should be able to. If you seize engine u have to remove both tranny and engine out in one piece so you can break the engine block outside to be able to turn the crankshaft. Uneven ground will be very hard to move your hoist around. Good luck buddy
I have done this 2x now. Use stout 4x8 sheets of plywood for a redneck driveway. Its intimidating but drop it out the bottom. Invest in a nice jack. 23-24 inch lift. Actually a pair of jacks to lower the subframe assembly. Land the subframe on a pair of car dollies and schooch out the side.
Agree 100% 1 f bolt
You are awesome. Thanks for the video.
You welcome
Good video, I was wondering where you got that axle removal tool? It almost looks custom made.
Thanks
Thank you Sir!..yeah Ridiculous!
My transfer case is wet. Noticed it during oil change.What do you think is the issue? Any suggestions?
The wet is from the transfer case or from the tranny or the engine. if it from the transfer then you need to check your fluid in the upper bolt of the transfer case. If low fluid then add it. If not low then mean the wet came some where else.
u absolutely right
I did the job on a 2004 Sienna today. I would like to help others doing it the way I did without touching the transmission, left axle shaft, air cleaner box, battery, starter and transmission mount. After removing the right brake caliper, brake rotor, steering knuckle and axle shaft, bolts holding the transfer case to the transmission and the smaller bracket above the bigger one with the troublesome bolt, I had my wife position a crowbar along the edge of the bigger bracket. Then I took a cutting torch and heated the troublesome bolt head until it was melting. As my wife pried the crowbar, and I heated the bolt, the bracket moved rearward enough to slide a one blade hacksaw behind the bracket to cut the bolt. After cutting the bolt and lowering the transfer case, I was able to remove the rest of the bolt from the mount boss by hand. When I reintall the replacement transfer case, I will put a short stud in the block and put a skinnier nut on it for the next guy. I wanted to youtube this but I don't know how to. I did take pictures that I could forward anyone doing this job. Hope this will help out.
I guess it is best to stay away from the AWD version of the Sienna huh!
Heard this happen on a fwd too
We have 308k on ours and I am only now wondering if I am having problems with the xfer case.
In toyota I will stay away from awd all the time. I suffer the mistake of buy a car that I love in the awd version. Never again.
question for All - can i remove transfer case and drive on FWD only on 05 AWD sienna ?
You can not just remove the transfer case and drive it because the axle go through the transfer case to the transmission. However, you can put fwd transmission to it.
@@alltsab thanks 👍 for replying
@@alltsab can i drive without rear drive shaft?
@@SALAM4 not sure you can try it let me know
@@SALAM4 did it work?
Watching this, I wonder, is there enough space to back the transmission off enough to put in a new rear main crank seal without removing the transmission??
Nope you have to take either engine out or transmission out to do that job.
Torch the two hard to remove bolts to the block and remove the torched studs with wisegrip i was done in 2and half hours
My dad did that too
Thanks for the advice. What is wisegrip @arpad szekeres?
@@TheLmheinz visegrip
Does this mean torch the bolt heads and break them off?
Wish you were in Sacramento
@@ugoboy15 😆 lol
How TF do I get the driveshaft out
Toyota mechanics air chizzle that bolt and never puy it back.
jtune13 really is it that hard. A true mechanic he shouldn't do that. It's hard but it can be done.
Thanks for the idea however after I air chiseled mine I replace the bolt with a stud and nut. Made it alot easier to put the mount back in. If anyone wants to chisel this bolt off, that bolt is friggin hard so take your time. also a small reciprocating saw will work as well with a diamond blade.
Done right they can all be take out with a little time . I have to do minesoon and it will be a job .
I'm impressed.....wow.
Holy shit.
Toyota not last forever? Prob last longer if you didn't run the transfer case out of oil... oh, you didn't know to check it? Not Toyotas fault...
If Toyota would make the transfer case not leak due to lack of sealant, it wouldn't run out of oil.
@@maticuno its still your fault for not noticing the oil leak.
only the front wheel drives last forever, if you go awd then its half life only.. lol
nze no, this transfer case failed from lack of maintenance.