- Joined
- January 26, 2004
- Messages
- 6,113
- Reaction score
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- City, State
- Mechanicsville, Virginia
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 Acura TL
I decided to change my transfer case fluid since I just went over 77K recently. I don't really know the intervals - but you should check it once you get around 60K. The fluid is just normal Dexron Mercon III ATF- so if you know what burnt transmission fluid looks like and smells like - you know what to look for in your tcase if it needs to be changed. My transfercase is the 4405 Borg-Warner T-case.
The service itself is quiet easy: all you need is a 3/8s raceht, a funnel or pump, drain bucket, and your choice of fluid (3 pints or about 2 quarts worth).
I did this at my house instead of the shop, so I was limited to a funnel which is kind of tricky to use on a transfercase. Anyhow, first you need to find the drain and fill plugs. I recommend removing the fill plug first to allow air to get into the t-case which will allow the fluid to run out of the drain smoother instead of in "gulps" (people who have done this before know what I mean). Anyhow here's a picture for help:
Drain and Fill Plugs:
Undoing the Fill/Check Plug:
Once you have taken the fill plug out, go ahead and set that aside and get going on the drain plug. Both plugs should be pretty tight (mine had thread sealer on them previously), but putting the plugs back should only be snugged like a oil drain plug. When you are ready to pull the drain plug on the t-case, thread it out with your fingers and set your drain pan underneath it. This should catch all the fluid and you should just let it drip out.
Undoing the drain plug:
Fluid Running Out:
Once it is emptied as good as it's going to get, put the drain plug back in. I like to clean up the area with brake clean, so if for some reason I get a leak, I can pinpoint it easier. Now, time to fill 'er up:
How My Funnel Was:
It worked out quiet well with my driveshaft there. Anyhow, gently fill it up and fill it like a differential - until it starts to flow out of the fill hole. Once it gets the big gushes out and its just lightly letting out - go ahead and put the plug back. Make sure you tighten it:
That's it! You're done. I put Royal Purple synthetic ATF fluid in my transfer case. I am running royal purple in my differentials and t-case now. I am still in search for a Mercon V fully-synthetic fluid (I believe just Amsoil has it right now). Picture of the bottles are below. Hope this was easy enough for you - was pretty easy to me! Good luck
-Drew
The service itself is quiet easy: all you need is a 3/8s raceht, a funnel or pump, drain bucket, and your choice of fluid (3 pints or about 2 quarts worth).
I did this at my house instead of the shop, so I was limited to a funnel which is kind of tricky to use on a transfercase. Anyhow, first you need to find the drain and fill plugs. I recommend removing the fill plug first to allow air to get into the t-case which will allow the fluid to run out of the drain smoother instead of in "gulps" (people who have done this before know what I mean). Anyhow here's a picture for help:
Drain and Fill Plugs:
Undoing the Fill/Check Plug:
Once you have taken the fill plug out, go ahead and set that aside and get going on the drain plug. Both plugs should be pretty tight (mine had thread sealer on them previously), but putting the plugs back should only be snugged like a oil drain plug. When you are ready to pull the drain plug on the t-case, thread it out with your fingers and set your drain pan underneath it. This should catch all the fluid and you should just let it drip out.
Undoing the drain plug:
Fluid Running Out:
Once it is emptied as good as it's going to get, put the drain plug back in. I like to clean up the area with brake clean, so if for some reason I get a leak, I can pinpoint it easier. Now, time to fill 'er up:
How My Funnel Was:
It worked out quiet well with my driveshaft there. Anyhow, gently fill it up and fill it like a differential - until it starts to flow out of the fill hole. Once it gets the big gushes out and its just lightly letting out - go ahead and put the plug back. Make sure you tighten it:
That's it! You're done. I put Royal Purple synthetic ATF fluid in my transfer case. I am running royal purple in my differentials and t-case now. I am still in search for a Mercon V fully-synthetic fluid (I believe just Amsoil has it right now). Picture of the bottles are below. Hope this was easy enough for you - was pretty easy to me! Good luck
-Drew