A transfer case is essentially a fluid that one can use to provide some lubrication and cooling towards the internal parts.
In some special cases, it also provides lubrication towards the wet clutch.
This is important as it keeps on varying as per the power requirements to the rear wheel or front one.
Remember that most of this transfer case fluid is pre-filled with an automatic transmission system fluid.
The automatic transmission fluid is red.
How Much Does a Transfer Case Fluid Change Cost?
One may understand that the average cost for all these systems is very well between $60 and $92.
And when it comes to the labor costings, add $45 to $55, and lastly, the parts come at $15 to $35.
Also, note that this is exclusive of any additional taxes or fees.
Changing the transfer case fluid:
Many people ask that what is the right time for a specific fluid change ordeal.
The answer is as follow –
- Firstly, a 30,000 miles periodic change is decent to do.
- Moreover, It’s particularly right if your vehicle has a tow-type feature and uses a four-wheel-drive most often.
Fluid type in the transfer case:
There are some typical fluid recommendations to follow when it comes to the fluid type.
Generally, SAE 80 W or the related SAE 80 W gear lubricant is enough.
On the other hand, the full-time systems use the SAE 10 W-30 type or the SAE 10W – 40 engine oil range.
The Dexron transmission fluid is one such option as well for the convention type transfer needs.
The most obvious symptoms of a bad and failing case output or a shaft seal:
This transfer case and output shaft seal are a critical part of the vehicle, and you can locate it near the given transfer case of the four-wheel drive, some trucks, and SUVs.
Some common problems are –
- Difficulty in shifting gears.
- Some weird grinding noises are coming from underneath your vehicle.
- The vehicle jumps in and out of your four-wheel drive.
P.S. – On a similar note, if an individual’s transfer fluid case is low, then your vehicle can overheat.
It can also cause the parts to seize and should not actuate properly.
Replacement of the transfer case fluid:
Well, honestly, it is a simple task to do, and they can do it by themselves as well.
One can drain the fluid by removing the drain plug and then re-install it. And on most of the other transfer cases, remove the plug to fill the fluid up to a level.
- Also, on some of the transfer cases, there is a small magnet that captures the metal fillings, among others.
- If your vehicle has a fill plug, it can be harder to access, and there can be no room for the bottle of fluid.
Remember that to improve its shelf life, service the vehicle properly or go for a special tool that can suck out the fluid itself for deep cleaning.
Some top recommended items:
01. ACDelco G.M. Original Equipment – $5.39 to $15.22
- Auto Trak Transfer Case Fluid.
- Best for the G.M. automatic four-wheel drives with the transfer cases.
- It improves the oxidation resistance for an ultra-extended life.
- It can also withstand an extended high-temperature operation for a long and durable approach to wear.
- This is simply a basic professional choice with A.C. Delco product lines for added value and a great function.
02. Merchant Automotive 101 – $35.66 to $39.99
- Simply, A stunning replacement for your present transfer case fluid.
- And a better option than the Dex 6.
- The oil is a bit golden in color and is oily in its feature.
- Brilliant for even those heavy-duty 100K miles trucks and be at peace.
03. Valvoline Multi-vehicle TCF – $20.56 to $39.99
- One recommends it to use in Ford, GM, and FCA dodge or Jeep models.
- The formulation is such that it prevents any wear of gear.
- It also prevents and protects against most rust and corrosion.
- The best all-around protection you can get during extreme operating conditions.
- A high rating and remains shiny with no lumps whatsoever.
Some other questions:
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1.) Can one drive with a bad transfer case?
Answer: It is most probably a bad idea to do so, as if one continues to drive with such a bad transfer case, it can be destroyed badly.
In some worst cases, one can even transfer it beyond repair, especially if the pard had some mechanical problem prior as well.
Q2.) Are the case fluid and that of transmission the same?
Answer: While the ATF fluid shares equally between the transmission and front of the differential share, the transfer case is one separate thing.
Also, it uses Gear Oil.
Q3.) Can one use the transmission fluid in the transfer case?
Answer: Remember that a transmission case always works whether one uses a four-wheel-drive on their vehicle or not.
One should inspect their vehicle’s transfer fluid level and the condition of oil often.
You can use gear oils, automatic transmission fluid, or ATF.
Lubricants of the specialty grade also work fine.
Q4.) Is there any compulsion for changing the transfer case fluid often?
Answer: Yes
As we know, when the fluid runs low or contaminates the structure, it can fail the differential easily.
- One can avoid this issue easily by having their transfer fluid be changed periodically, after every 30K miles or so.
- This works fine, especially in those vehicles which are using tow or 4-wheel driving.
Q5.) Does it have any difference if one changes the differential fluid?
Answer: When it comes to the front drivers, they often integrate the transmission differential, which is housing and sharing the same fluids.
It lubricates the ring and pinion gears which are responsible for the transfer of power.
Q6.) How can one judge if their transfer case needs any oil?
Answer: Very easy because one can notice some symptoms like grinding noises beyond the vehicle or difficulty in changing gears.
Some fewer common symptoms can be vehicle jumping nonstop both in and out of the 4-wheel driving mode.
Q7.) Is it compulsory to put oil in the transfer case?
Answer: Well, that is self-answerable if you understand the working of the transfer case.
As we know, that transfer case is a critical component of your vehicle drive and powers the unit and to the 4×4 driving.
It needs oiling from time to time to overcome the stress.
Q8.) How much time does one need to change the transfer cases?
Answer: it depends upon the availability of parts, but one can get in a few days.
Shipping is either free or >$100, and one can expect the installation to take 1 to 2 days.
Q9.) How can one replace the transfer case?
Answer: Use it differently by jacking in the front of the vehicle.
- Firstly, locate the AWD transfer case and then the oil fill plug.
- Remove the plug, which is on the top of the fill.
- Then check for the top fluid and remove the drain plug at the bottom and drain the fluid.
Q10.) How can one know if the transfer case is running low on fluid?
Answer: Most often, the reasons are difficulty in changing gears, and if your transfer case fluid is low or dirty, then that will affect the transmission’s ability.
A loud noise coming during driving is also a symptom due to an increase in friction and a decrease in lubrication.
Q11.) Why is your service 4 W.D. light coming on?
Answer: When one cycles the ignition key from OFF to START and then release it back to the RUN option, a 4WD warning light illuminates for a few second.
The light goes off automatically after a few seconds.
A real problem is if the light does not go off because this shows an issue with the system.
Q12.) What is the average cost of changing the AWD fluids?
Answer: The AWD fluid is a bit costlier as it works on the principle of differential fluid change.
Labor is approx. $50 to $70, and parts also cost similarly.
Q13.) What is the maximum fluid that enters your vehicle?
Answer: For a TOYOTA FJ Cruiser, expect around 1.4 L.
For your vehicle, check it through the fill plug.
Q14.) How much time does the differential fluid need replacement, and what are the consequences of not changing them?
Answer: Most of the differential fluids last way beyond the 50 K miles. The gears can seize if it runs too low or dries off.
Q15.) How to check the transfer case fluid of your vehicle?
Answer: Begin by locating the oil fill plug right there on the transfer case. Then remove the top oil of the fill plug, and using a flashlight, check for the oil.
When full, the oil one can feel by touching.
Final Verdict:
The transfer case assists by taking power from the transmission.
It splits it open between the front wheels and rear.
One can choose between a 2 W.D. or a 4 W.D. drive on a selectable transfer case, whereas some provide a full-time wheel drive as well.
Also, some transfer cases get a lower range which means a reduction of extra gear and thereby increases the torque on the wheels.
This one can see by a sign of 4WD Low.
On the other hand, the transfer case fluid helps in lubricating the internal parts and cooling them in the process.
In some of the transfer cases, there is a red automatic transmission fluid.
However, as with everything else like any other thing in the world, ATF also doesn’t last forever and needs periodic changing as the oil made is from such ingredients that fade over time.
The most prominent of them are E.P. additives for wear protection, Detergents for debris protection.
The Corrosion inhibitors for rust prevention, Anti-Foaming chemicals for oil frothing, and, lastly, the Friction agents for increasing the life of the clutch.
Changing every 30K miles or so is the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Thanks For Reading!