PTU oil change at 5800 miles

[heady]

I'm going to order the fluid and check/change mine when I get back from this trip... This is the kind of thing that should never be happening off of a production line.

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[tkammen270]

What a bummer ...

You are right with changing it 1K miles for the new unit.

I recently did mine and used Amsoil Severe Gear 75/90 and once we get into the blazing hot ass TX summer , I will run 75/110. These little units don't hold much for fluid and need all the help they can get

I had a 22 XLT before the 25 and I had no issues with it. I did change all the fluids early but not 8600 miles haha.

 

[Blitz-Hacker]

I've read that the factory underfilled the PTU and that the oil is full of particulate. Well, both were true for me. Got 8-10 oz out, PTU held 16. As you can see, the oil has 0 translucense and tiny, shiny specs of something in the sunlight. People should probably change and fill early.

I just had mine changed both the front and rear at 26,000 miles yesterday. I have read on this forum to change it early because of possibility of being underfilled and the front PTU might have burnt fluid with debris on the magnet because of location. What I found was that both units had coffee black fluid in them and magnets were completely loaded with debris. My mechanic was questioning why I was requesting this service so early but after seeing what was in them told me I made a wise decision. I am going to have the transmission done at 30K miles because I heard the filter is not able to be replaced easily. Got to keep the fluids clean.

 

[craigt502]

I’ve posted this on another thread in the past but seems fitting here too. I tow/haul more than the average Maverick owner I’d say. Changed PTU and trans at 28k. Took almost half a quart of 75W85 for the PTU and almost 5 quarts of trans fluid. Comparison picture of the new and old fluids. Top is PTU. Bottom is trans.

 

[TwuckHappens]

One thing I always found funny was

"Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD only) in your vehicle does not require any scheduled maintenance. The PTU lubricant may be more likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle has extended periods of extreme or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is not necessary unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows sign of leakage. Contact your authorized dealer for service."


But severe duty cycle is basically a commute

"What Are Considered Severe Driving Conditions
A vehicle that is driven for short trips of less than 5–10 mi (8–16 km), driving in temperatures well below or above average, driving in any dusty conditions, idling more than recommended such as in traffic, and driving with a heavy load or while towing a load are considered severe driving conditions. If the vehicle is driven in any of these conditions, follow the severe service maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance chart."

 

[dalola]

One thing I always found funny was

"Axle and PTU Maintenance
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD only) in your vehicle does not require any scheduled maintenance. The PTU lubricant may be more likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle has extended periods of extreme or severe duty cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is not necessary unless the unit has been submerged in water, shows sign of leakage. Contact your authorized dealer for service."


But severe duty cycle is basically a commute

"What Are Considered Severe Driving Conditions
A vehicle that is driven for short trips of less than 5–10 mi (8–16 km), driving in temperatures well below or above average, driving in any dusty conditions, idling more than recommended such as in traffic, and driving with a heavy load or while towing a load are considered severe driving conditions. If the vehicle is driven in any of these conditions, follow the severe service maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance chart."

lol... the "severe duty" description is the very definition of ambiguity.... Most people just see the title and stop reading...

I agree, many people fall into the "severe" category, if they really consider how/when/where they drive. I've always serviced all my vehicles based on the severe cycle.

 

[mavtrik]

This issue is known on some models, as many units come from the factory with insufficient filling, which can lead to overheating, premature wear of the gears, or even PTU failure.

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