182RG
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2011
- Messages
- 878
- Reaction score
- 24
- City, State
- Winchester, VA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '11 XLT / '13 Touareg TDI
** Google Drive Permissions Updated - 1/4/2023 **
All,
I finally got around to changing both the PTU and Rear Differential fluid on the Explorer.
First off, I'm not a believer in 'Lifetime' fluids, in any vehicle. At approximately 60,000 mi, I changed the Transmission fluid using a BG exchange machine via the cooler lines.
The Explorer is now at 77,000 mi. Mix of highway and around town driving. We do not tow with the vehicle. It was time to tackle the gear oil.
Unfortunately, on this model year and configuration of the Explorer, there are no drain plugs on either the PTU or Rear Diff. This means that in order to drain the old fluid, it requires using a fluid extraction pump.
It's a relatively simple process with the right tools. I would say a 3 out of 10 in this case. First, you should use a commercial grade car lift. It is much safer, and easier to get to the fill plugs.
Second, here are the supplies / tools I used:
Atlas Kwik-Bay Lift
Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear Full Synthetic - 1 Qt - for Rear Differential (could take more than 1 Qt - I was only able to extract approx. 1 Qt)
Amsoil 75W-140 Severe Gear Full Synthetic - 1 Qt - for PTU (only need approx. 1 Pt.)
3/8" Ratchet - Medium handle
MityVac MV7300 Fluid Extractor - for use with shop air.
Motive Power Fill Transfer Pump - can use with shop air.
I created a step by step guide with pictures in a PDF. The link is below.
The fluid I replaced in the Rear Differential didn't look bad at all. I probably won't change this fluid again.
The fluid I replaced in the PTU was in really, REALLY bad condition. Jet black, sludged, with an acrid, burnt smell to it. I've changed a lot of gear oil, and I've never seen anything this bad. It was on borrowed time. I plan on changing this fluid every 30,000 miles.
Google Drive
Good luck.
All,
I finally got around to changing both the PTU and Rear Differential fluid on the Explorer.
First off, I'm not a believer in 'Lifetime' fluids, in any vehicle. At approximately 60,000 mi, I changed the Transmission fluid using a BG exchange machine via the cooler lines.
The Explorer is now at 77,000 mi. Mix of highway and around town driving. We do not tow with the vehicle. It was time to tackle the gear oil.
Unfortunately, on this model year and configuration of the Explorer, there are no drain plugs on either the PTU or Rear Diff. This means that in order to drain the old fluid, it requires using a fluid extraction pump.
It's a relatively simple process with the right tools. I would say a 3 out of 10 in this case. First, you should use a commercial grade car lift. It is much safer, and easier to get to the fill plugs.
Second, here are the supplies / tools I used:
Atlas Kwik-Bay Lift
Amsoil 75W-90 Severe Gear Full Synthetic - 1 Qt - for Rear Differential (could take more than 1 Qt - I was only able to extract approx. 1 Qt)
Amsoil 75W-140 Severe Gear Full Synthetic - 1 Qt - for PTU (only need approx. 1 Pt.)
3/8" Ratchet - Medium handle
MityVac MV7300 Fluid Extractor - for use with shop air.
Motive Power Fill Transfer Pump - can use with shop air.
I created a step by step guide with pictures in a PDF. The link is below.
The fluid I replaced in the Rear Differential didn't look bad at all. I probably won't change this fluid again.
The fluid I replaced in the PTU was in really, REALLY bad condition. Jet black, sludged, with an acrid, burnt smell to it. I've changed a lot of gear oil, and I've never seen anything this bad. It was on borrowed time. I plan on changing this fluid every 30,000 miles.
Google Drive
Good luck.