First Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid service done - results & photos

[huunvubu]

Thanks. If the hybrid ever gets offered with AWD, I'm sure I'll need to be more familiar with it then.

No you won't have to worry as a Hybrid AWD will have a second electric motor in the rear. So no PTU is needed on an AWD Hybrid Maverick.

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[Clock Doc]

Other than the metal flake the fluid looks good. Did you send it in for testing? I'd be curious to see if that is normal for break in wear. I suspect it is but when mines due I'll test it just to be sure. I'm pretty ocd about over analyzing.

 

[EMD_Driver]

Other than the metal flake the fluid looks good. Did you send it in for testing? I'd be curious to see if that is normal for break in wear. I suspect it is but when mines due I'll test it just to be sure. I'm pretty ocd about over analyzing.

I didn't send it in. We were told to expect what I found, so I am not worried about it.

 

[Hardening2753]

I had to Google PTU to realize I don't have to worry about this on my hybrid. You had me worried.

They had us in the first halve

 

[Maverick2022XL]

For human waste and giggles I looked into the shop manual on the PTU fluid check and refill procedures. This is their recommended specs.

The drain plug should be torqued to 30 ft / lb

The fill plug should be torqued to 133 in / lb

Recommended oil
Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant / XY-75W85-QL (WSS-M2C942-A)

They don't specify when to change it just how to drain, refill and check the PTU fluid levels.

 

[Maverick2022XL]

In my opinion after reading a bit on this my recommendation for when to change the PTU and Rear Differential fluids should be the following. Frankly I am surprised there is no mention of it even if just to check the condition and fluid levels of the PTU during multipoint inspection let alone any guidance on how often to change the fluids for either. For the RDU it probably has to due with the fact the shop manual shows that the drain and fill plugs should be discarded and new ones put in for fluid changes and the fill plug discarded and a new one installed on a fluid check.

If following the warranty schedule for normal driving conditions

PTU - every 30,000 miles
RDU - every 60,000 miles

For special conditions like extensive towing and hauling for example

PTU - every 20,000 miles
RDU - every 30,000 miles

Recommended fluids according to Ford.

PTU
Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant / XY-75W85-QL (WSS-M2C942-A)

RDU
Motorcraft® Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid / XY-75W-QL

 

[kcamp317]

Good that you change it. I know in the escape and edges with AWD the PTU is all tucked up in with the exhaust in close proximity and gets super hot and baked into sludge if it isn't addressed on a regular basis. It's one of those things that 99% of people never think of or bother to take care of.

 

[dalola]

In my opinion after reading a bit on this my recommendation for when to change the PTU and Rear Differential fluids should be the following. Frankly I am surprised there is no mention of it even if just to check the condition and fluid levels of each in the multipoint inspection let alone any guidance on how often to change the fluids for either.

If following the warranty schedule for normal driving conditions

PTU - every 30,000 miles
RDU - every 60,000 miles

For special conditions like extensive towing and hauling for example

PTU - every 20,000 miles
RDU - every 30,000 miles

Recommended fluids according to Ford.

PTU
Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant / XY-75W85-QL (WSS-M2C942-A)

RDU
Motorcraft® Disconnect Rear Drive Unit Fluid / XY-75W-QL

Good info.....does it give the capacity spec for the PTU?

 

[Maverick2022XL]

Good info.....does it give the capacity spec for the PTU?

Nope only fill level to the fill plug opening for the PTU.

For the RDU do the almost the same which when full should be 0.755L (1.6 pt) (2mm below the bottom of the filler hole) according to the specifications.

It also wouldn't hurt to the check the fluid levels in the PTU when you do your oil changes or every other oil change if you do them yourself. You already have the underbody shield off and it only takes an extra few minutes to crack the fill plug and check the fluid level.

 

[801Maverick801]

So there was a proper drain plug on the bottom of the PTU? Ive seen videos on Youtube of guys changing this fluid and there is only a fill plug, looked like a nightmare. Especially for something that needs to be serviced pretty regularly.

 

[CapnMorgn69]

Can you tell us what you found?

I googled it and only found "Power Takeoff (or Take-up) Unit", which clearly do not apply here.

Power Transfer Unit. It's the differentials for the AWD system.

 

[Phileaux]

Suggest a good magnetic drain plug

 

[EMD_Driver]

So there was a proper drain plug on the bottom of the PTU? Ive seen videos on Youtube of guys changing this fluid and there is only a fill plug, looked like a nightmare. Especially for something that needs to be serviced pretty regularly.

Yes!

Standard 3/8" ratchet.. I will use a 3" extension next time..

 

[MaverickTopGun]

No you won't have to worry as a Hybrid AWD will have a second electric motor in the rear. So no PTU is needed on an AWD Hybrid Maverick.

The current Ford Escape Hybrid AWD uses a driveshaft to the rear, not an electric motor like a RAV4 hybrid awd for example. I don't know if Ford will go with an "e-axle" as they call an electric motor+differential, on the rear in the future or not.

 

[crunchie_frog]

To OP, What was your reasoning for not using the recommended viscosity fluid. 75 140 vs. 75 85? Just curious, I have an Escape I need to do soon with the same PTU. Thanks,

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