After a good 30 mins drive also with some low range. I parked my ML in way that right front corner was some 15cm/ half feet higher than other corners. (that because drain plug is on the left side of the ML and pointing afterwards) A law of Newton.
To fill it was not too easy as there is no place for one liter bottle just spill it in and I did not got any kind fluid pump. I used a plastic hose of 2 meters ( some 6 feet ) and Law of Newton again.
just some 1.8 qt and maybe a little bit more into the case, then level on your ML and check level once again.
I personally worry about transfer case fluid change more than any other fluid/oil change intervals (meaning all these 5 places of ML). because transfer case capacity is only 1.4 qt / 1.5 liters, NOT 1.8 qt what is already a small overfill. I use my ML often in very cold temperatures here in Alps. ( rapid temp changes produce
water in the case )
Pls. do not over tight the plugs I used a little bit of red paint to memorize original factory position of plug tightness.
I also investigated the old fluid and run it through white paper. ( Airline style )
It always tell you the true story.
If you want to find torque numbers. Just make a small paint mark and release the plug and tight it to the mark again with your torque wrench adjusting it untill it moves and you got the numbers for it.
I changed the transfer case fluid this weekend and everything went smoothly, largely thanks to all the useful advice in this thread. However, when I cleaned the drain and fill plugs I noticed a white, rubberry substance on the outside threads. It doesn't look like a thread-locker, but something to seal the plugs from leaking. Does anyone know what this stuff is? Should I try to get some to keep the transfer case from leaking?
I changed the transfer case fluid this weekend and everything went smoothly, largely thanks to all the useful advice in this thread. However, when I cleaned the drain and fill plugs I noticed a white, rubberry substance on the outside threads. It doesn't look like a thread-locker, but something to seal the plugs from leaking. Does anyone know what this stuff is? Should I try to get some to keep the transfer case from leaking?
Thanks!
The white stuff is a plumber's sealant. You can replace it with plumber's teflon tape. Wind it on counter clockwise (about 3 layers) and do not let any hang over to the inside of the plug.
__________________ Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.- Mark Twain
I changed the fluids in the transfer case and in both differential units over the weekend. Despite having 120,000 miles on the vehicle, the fluids look surprisingly clean. The whole process took less than an hour.
One trick I found for filling the transfer case is to use the nozzle from the differential gear lube bottle. I just cleaned it and twisted it onto the transmission fluid bottle. It fit perfectly and I was able to squeeze the bottle to fill the transfer case. It worked great and was a lot easier than using a turkey baster.
I changed the fluids in the transfer case and in both differential units over the weekend. Despite having 120,000 miles on the vehicle, the fluids look surprisingly clean. The whole process took less than an hour.
One trick I found for filling the transfer case is to use the nozzle from the differential gear lube bottle. I just cleaned it and twisted it onto the transmission fluid bottle. It fit perfectly and I was able to squeeze the bottle to fill the transfer case. It worked great and was a lot easier than using a turkey baster.
Thanks for sharing that tip with the tip of the gear lube bottle. I might try that next time. Sounds simple it works!!!
This is a nice DIY project! Where did everyone purchase the transfer case fluid, from dealer or autozone/pepboys? If from dealer, what is the part number? Thanks!
Linear Mode
