Transfer Case Service

It is great to have some basic vehicle knowledge so that you know how to take care of your car, truck, or SUV. That vehicle knowledge helps you see signs that you may need service for your vehicle. It’s essential to take care of your vehicle so that you have the wheels you need for your daily life. Below, we talk a little bit about your transfer case and the service it needs.

If you have four-wheel drive in your vehicle, buckle up, because you need to learn a little bit about your transfer case and the routine maintenance that this part of your vehicle needs. Learn more below, and reach out to us at Seacoast Mazda with any questions you may have.

What is a Transfer Case?

If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you should know a little bit about what a transfer case is and how to maintain it. A transfer case splits the power between your front and rear axles, and it can be gear driven or chain driven. The transfer case can be found on the back of the transmission of your vehicle.

However, like other systems in your vehicle (your engine, transmission, etc.), the transfer case uses fluid to have proper lubrication so that it can work well for you. Transfer case fluid helps to keep your transfer case operating as it should and it helps to prevent wear and damage. You can think of it like engine oil that lubricates your engine parts and keeps your vehicle running how it should.

Does a Transfer Case Need Service?

The short answer is, yes. This is an often overlooked service if you are not as in-tune to your vehicle. Four-wheel drive vehicles need transfer case service to maintain the health of their drivetrain. As mentioned above, this system uses fluid to keep the system working well. Similar to an oil change, your transfer case fluid needs to be emptied and replaced at regular intervals.

The good news is, transfer case fluid does not need to be replaced as often as your engine oil, but it is still important to stay on top of.

When Should You Change Your Transfer Case Fluid?

The exact schedule for changing out your transfer case fluid depends on the vehicle itself and the vehicle manufacturer. This service can depend upon the vehicle and your use of it, so you should consult your owner’s manual for specifics on your vehicle or ask a trusted service professional.

It is pretty common to get transfer case fluid service around every 30,000 miles you put on your vehicle. However, if you regularly tow heavy loads or have stress on your transfer case, it could be something you want to take a look at more frequently. Like engine oil, transfer case fluid can get contaminated with debris so it is less effective in lubricating your system and keeping your vehicle running well.

Signs You May Need Transfer Case Fluid Replacement

Wondering what to look out for when it comes to your transfer case? There are a few signs that you may notice to show you need transfer case fluid replacement. Check them out here:

• Trouble shifting gears – One sign you might be having issues with your transfer case is if you are having trouble shifting gears. If you do not have enough transfer case fluid or if your transfer case fluid is dirty, it can affect your shifting capability. You can have issues shifting gears or your vehicle could fall out of four-wheel drive unintentionally because of a transfer case fluid issue.
• Grinding noises while driving – Do you experience loud noises while driving? Specifically noises while your four-wheel drive is engaged. Grinding noises associated with your four-wheel drive could be a sign of a transfer case not having the lubrication it needs. This lack of lubrication causes increased friction, which can result in grinding noise from your vehicle.
• Fluid leaks – Obviously there are multiple fluids that could leak from your vehicle. If you notice fluid leaking from the transfer case (which is located on the back of the transmission), you will want to get it checked out. It could be a sign the fluid is contaminated or that you have a damaged seal or gasket. 

Also, any decreased performance you see of your four-wheel drive system could be a sign that your transfer case needs to be checked, including the fluid. It is better to be safe than sorry, so if you seem to be experiencing issues, contact a professional.

It is easy to overlook certain types of vehicle maintenance, especially if you don’t know much about them. Transfer case service is something that is easily forgotten about or overlooked, but like most vehicle maintenance, if you wait until it’s too late, it could be even more costly. You don’t want to wait for damage to your transfer case before you get service for it. This will end up costing you way more money in the long run than just getting the regular maintenance that you need.

If you have any questions about transfer case service or any other regular maintenance you may need for your vehicle, you can reach out to us at Seacoast Mazda. Our vehicle experts would be happy to help you in any way we can.

Service at Seacoast Mazda

Questions about service for your vehicle? You can always reach out to us at Seacoast Mazda. We have an experienced service staff that is working for you. We focus on providing you with quality service so that your vehicle stands up on the road, but we also strive for efficiency. We know that no one wants to be without a vehicle because your vehicle is an essential part of your life. We do our best to get you safely back on the road as soon as we can. You can schedule a service appointment online or give us a call. We are happy to help you with all of your vehicle needs.