In That Case? (Transfer Case Exchange)
September 11, 2022
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.
Blair's Ferry Automotive
1565 Blairs Ferry Rd.
Marion, Iowa 52302
319-447-6310
http://www.blairsferryautomotive.com
Need Service?
More articles from Blairs Ferry Automotive
Beware of Potholes! (Avoiding Pothole Damage)
March 9, 2025
You may live in a region where roads become pockmarked with craters known better as potholes. They're caused by moisture seeping through a compromised road surface that can freeze, expand and literally punch holes in the road. And when your vehicle hits one of those holes that's big enough, the... More
Losing Your Spark (Spark Plug Replacement)
March 2, 2025
When's the last time you thought about spark plugs? You probably don't remember. That's because spark plugs usually last a long time and don't need much attention. But they don't last forever, and when they start going bad, they'll send you a few clues. Vehicle is hard to start. Fuel economy ... More
The Turn Signal Mystery (Turn Signal Problems)
February 23, 2025
Some problems are easy to diagnose on a vehicle; others aren't. Figuring out what's wrong with a malfunctioning turn signal sometimes fits into both categories. By the way, if your tempted to just leave your broken blinker broken, remember you can get a ticket for not using them, not to mention... More