In That Case? (Transfer Case Exchange)
July 28, 2024
Ever wonder how all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicles get the power from the engine to the front and rear wheels? The magic happens in what's called a transfer case. In some all-wheel-drive vehicles, it's sometime called a power take-off unit, or PTU.
Inside the transfer case is a set of gears. And to keep those gears meshing smoothly, they have to be lubricated and kept cool. What does that is called transfer case fluid. Depending on your vehicle's type of transfer case, it is filled with either an automatic transmission fluid, a gear oil that's a bit thicker or transfer case fluid designed to be use for your transfer case.
As happens with all lubricating fluids, the transfer case fluid has things in it that break down the older they get. They have corrosion inhibitors, detergents and anti-foaming agents that keep the lubricant from getting air bubbles in it. Transfer cases don't have filters in them to clean out impurities.
If you don't have your transfer case fluid exchanged for fresh, you risk damage to the case, and that can run into thousands of dollars. So the wise driver makes sure the fluid is changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For many vehicles, that is every 30,000 mi/50,000 km, but some require it more frequently. Your vehicle service facility can advise you on what your vehicle's optimal interval is.
During the fluid exchange, any metal filings that may have come off are cleaned off of the drain and fill plugs that are usually magnetized to catch the stray metal pieces.
If you hear grinding noises coming from under your vehicle or if it is having trouble shifting gears or going in and out of 4-wheel-drive, those could be signs your transfer case needs service. In that case, have our technicians check it out. The best plan of action? Keep your transfer case fluid maintained and it should keep you heading down the road for years to come.
South Side Garage
9117 S WALKER AVE
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma 73139
405-308-1514
http://www.thesouthsidegarage.com
More articles from Southside Garage
When Metal Meets Metal (Wheel Bearings)
April 20, 2025
What part of your vehicle has little metal balls inside that are lubricated and allow you to cruise on down the road? They are wheel bearings, and automotive designers might argue they are human beings' second greatest invention of all time (the first is, of course, the wheel!). You have a wheel... More
Such a Little Part (Climate Control Resistor)
April 13, 2025
You expect your heater/air conditioner to work like it should. You have a control for temperature and one for fan speed. You even have a control for what vents the air comes out of. Don't be surprised one day if your blower fan develops a mind of its own and starts going crazy. Most of the ti... More
When it Comes to Air Filters, Change is Good (Clogged Air Filter)
April 6, 2025
Engine air filters may not seem like a big deal, but when theyre clogged up with dirt, dust, and insects, your engine could wind up choking for air and not delivering you the power and performance it was designed to give. There are actually a couple of air filters in your vehicle. One filters th... More