Transfer case and differential fluid change questions - Benzworld.org

Michael Pillay · 03-29-2006, 12:14 PM

I did a search and found the article from Star regarding changing the forward and rear differential fluid and transfer case fluid.
The article states: torque both plugs....can someone tell me the torque specs for the forward diff, rear diff, and transfer case plugs?
Also, I went out and bought the fluid. Is valvoline SAE 80W 90 okay to use for the diffs? The article says to use SAE 90. I dont know if the "80W' part will be a problem.
Thanks,
Mike

mickey.1430 · 03-29-2006, 03:49 PM

The Valvoline product is a multi grade type which acts like an 80W fluid at low temps and a 90W fluid at high temps. It should work just fine in the diffs.
Presumably you purchased non synthetic ATF for the transfer case as is called for.

I don't have the torque specs but I am guessing you can figure them out by removing the plugs.

**cmitch** · 03-29-2006, 05:20 PM

I changed all fluids myself. The transfer case required a salon bottle with a slanted tip for pouring in the top plug hole. I used Dexron III ATF for the transfer case but my mechanic recommended I switch to the synthetic since it lasts longer. He said the return of the clicking noise after 5000 miles is indication the fluid isn't up to snuff. I really don't see why synthetic can't be used but if someone knows something I don't, please tell it!

Michael Pillay · 03-30-2006, 10:20 AM

I did the front and rear diff this morning. Pretty easy. The most annoying part was getting the oil into the fill plug on the rear diff. Not a whole lot of space back there. I need to find the square 3/8 inch drive for the transfer case. Sears did not have anything like that when I checked.
Mike

**cmitch** · 03-30-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Michael Pillay - 3/30/2006 1:20 PM

I did the front and rear diff this morning. Pretty easy. The most annoying part was getting the oil into the fill plug on the rear diff. Not a whole lot of space back there. I need to find the square 3/8 inch drive for the transfer case. Sears did not have anything like that when I checked.
Mike

Use the 3/8 inch EXTENSION. It works like a charm.[;)]

Noodles · 03-30-2006, 07:51 PM

I thinks me be suffering from deja vu[:o)]

**cmitch** · 03-30-2006, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Noodles - 3/30/2006 10:51 PM

I thinks me be suffering from deja vu[:o)]

Yep. I posted this and noticed his other thread. opened it and there it was, the same suggestion. It's funny how us Extremist/Elitist think alike!![8D]

gw17625410 · 03-31-2006, 04:25 AM

Are any additives used by M.B.?

esp. for the rear diffs?

Sergio · 03-31-2006, 05:35 AM

BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN TIGHTENING THE TRANSFER CASE SCREW!!!
I over thightened mine and the whole cover cracked!! Didn't seem to apply that much torque. Fortunetely, my friendly dealer replaced the entire TC under Starmark warranty.

Sergio
'99 ML430 87K miles

Dueysf · 06-01-2006, 02:08 PM

Would you mind posting that Star article? I had been having a knocking noise coming from under my ML320. The AAA diagnosic center recommended that I try replacing the transfer case oil. I convinced the guys at Jiffy Lube to do it ($30) with my oil (MB type 6 AT fluid - recommended by MB for w163 (w164 uses type 9) @$15/quart (needed 2.5 quarts)). Also needed a liquid pump ($17 at Kragen). So for about $100 the noise is gone. However, the oil was nearly black with silvery flicks in it so I have the suspicion that this may not be the end of this problem. I'll change the oil again in a few weeks to make sure its clean.