Help: Transfer Case Leaking?
 

Hi all.

I was wondering if someone could explain this issue to me and what can I expect from the dealer when I go to get it fixed.

I have a 2005 X5 3.0i with 6spd transmission. I noticed today it has a leak that apparently is coming from the transfer case which is about 1/3 of the way back underneath the car. The leak appears to feel, smell, and taste like water? I'm pretty sure it's from the transfer case. What does this mean...it's just dripping out slowly and seems to only be dripping out when the car is on?

Thanks for any information.

Not perhaps the aircon drain

Sounds to me like it is condensation from your A/C. There are two little pipes that flow back to either side of the transmission that drain the A/C condensation onto the transfer case (on the one side). You will usually have two spots of water on the ground if you are parked in the same spot for more than just a few minutes. Nothing to worry about, it's normal.

If you want to check it yourself to make sure that is what it is, start your car up without the a/c on and see that it will no longer leak. Also, be careful when tasting engine fluids, some of them don't taste that good.

Ha yes. Thank you thank you. I spoke with one of my friends and he said that it is possible that the car held the condensation till it turns on so that it does not pee all over the place after you park it (it waits till you turn it back on to pee on your garage floor). Anyways I crawled up under there and saw at least the one little pipe on the passenger side. That was releiving. I was definitely nervous. It just doesn't look good to see all sorts of leaking coming out of the car from the second you turn it on after sitting all night.

Anyways I definitely confirmed that smelled like water, looked like water, and put it on a white napkin to make sure it was clear before giving it a little lick haha...it was the first identification technique that came to mind....if it had been black and sludgy I would probably not have tasted it hah.


Thanks though everyone. I hope everyone is doing well and X5s are treating you well.

Robert