Tranny vs. transfer case fluid change - Benzworld.org

Sergio · 02-01-2008, 09:17 PM

Hi,
There are plenty of posts that recommend tranny fluid changes well before 100K miles.
For those of us 4-Matic owners, what is the recommendation for transfer case fluid changes? Since both the tranny and the transfer case use the same type of fluid, would the same replacement interval apply?
I read the WIS BS last night and of course it says "sealed for life."
Your opinions are appreciated!

**Matt L** · 02-01-2008, 09:28 PM

There is a procedure for changing the transmission fluid. Is there one for the transfer case?

Sergio · 02-01-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

There is a procedure for changing the transmission fluid. Is there one for the transfer case?

I don't think so but my procedure will be: insert a plastic tube, vacuum the fluid out (I have an electric pump) and replace with new tranny fluid. The most difficult part, since I have a wagon, is accessing the fill plug on the transfer case.

**Matt L** · 02-01-2008, 10:17 PM

If it were my car, I would do it. That is a very expensive transfer case. Of course, I've never in my life heard of a cheap transfer case.

OliverK · 02-02-2008, 05:43 AM

Shouldn't be TOO difficult. I had zero problems accessing my drain/fill plug, but I don't have a wagon.

Give it a shot, its only about a liter in there. I doubt you'll get more than 500ml out, but as with the tranny, some dillution is better than none.

Franasia · 02-02-2008, 06:44 PM

I am looking to do it in the near future. Forum member loubapache came up with the answer to the location of filler plug on transfer case. There's no drain plug. I have the wagon and it appears it's got the balancer that appears to be unique unique to wagons and adds some more work.

This is the thread where it was discussed:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...uestion-2.html

Cheers

Sergio · 02-02-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franasia

I am looking to do it in the near future. Forum member loubapache came up with the answer to the location of filler plug on transfer case. There's no drain plug. I have the wagon and it appears it's got the balancer that appears to be unique unique to wagons and adds some more work.

This is the thread where it was discussed:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...uestion-2.html

Cheers

Thanks. I've seen that post and will use it as a guideline.
Today I replaced the tranny fluid and was disappointed to only remove just over 3 quarts. I'm used to my W124 where I can get the vast majority of the fluid out. I will run the car for about 5K miles and drain it again without replacing the filter. Will do this a couple of times and then every 40-50K I will drop the pan and replace both fluid and filter.
I also replaced both differential fluids. The front one is a similar situation to the transfer case (filler hole only).