How to Change Fluid in your Transfer Case

EKinMN · Nov 27, 2011

Changing the fluid in your transfer case is extremely easy. It's easier than changing your oil! Follow these simple steps to change your fluid:

1. Put the truck on ramps:
You do not have to do this--you can probably get under the truck without this, but it makes moving around underneath a lot easier, especially if you are a bigger guy, like me. If you do put the truck on ramps, BE SURE to set the parking brake, put the vehicle in Park (or gear), and chock the rear wheels. You need to be safe under there.

2. Remove scuff plate:
This is an optional step. I did not remove mine, and the fluid drained through the holes without issue. But, it may be cleaner if the plate is removed.

3.Identify the Drain and Fill Bolts:
I have marked the drain and fill bolts in this picture of my transfer case. Open the top bolt first. You may have a bit of leakage, depending on how full the case is. Once you have the top (fill) bolt out, then open the bottom bolt to drain the transfer case. Have a drain pan underneath, capable of holding a minimum of 2 quarts of fluid.

4. Note the condition of the drain bolt:
Mine had a significant amount of metal shavings on the magnetic drain bolt. I was surprised by how much, given that the truck only has 18,000 miles on it. You can see in the pictures how "gunked" up it is, and what it looks like after it is clean.

5. Reinstall drain bolt
6. Fill with fluid:
Look up the specs for your particular truck. My truck takes a Dexron VI compatible fluid, so I used Amsoil's ATF. Special thanks to StarSpangled6.0 for giving me some of his supply!
Fill using a fluid pump, by pumping the fluid into the fill hole.
7. Check for Leaks:
Ensure the bolts are tight, and wipe up any residual fluid, to ensure there are no leaks.

Now head out somewhere to go 4-wheeling, and enjoy your well maintained transfer case!

Z71Silvy · Nov 27, 2011

Nicely done!

How much 4wd usage did you have in that 18k miles? The amount of shavings is very surprising - that picture alone will make me do a change at the 20k mile mark at the latest, thanks!

ASTE25 · Nov 27, 2011

Good write up. That amount of shavings is not abnormal for the first fluid change. I know my truck (2005 Silverado with the push button transfer case) takes a special lube, only available from GM. You may want to state in the write up to reinstall the fill plug. You never know, someone might actually forget to do it since you didn't state to do so.

EKinMN · Nov 27, 2011

Z71Silvy -- I used Auto 4wd quite a bit last winter. I did pull a guy out of a ditch when the truck was barely broken in (around 1,000 miles). In summer, I used it a couple times on a slick boat ramp. The truck has never been in 4 low. Overall, I'd say that's pretty low usage.

And y'all make sure you put the fill plug back in! :lol:

6Sixathome · Nov 27, 2011

I changed the transfer case fliuld out of my truck at 46K and the drain plug looked like that, also the fluid was fairly red. The original owner did alot of driving in auto and I thought that would contribute to the ugly drain plug but after seeing EKinMN's, I'm beginning to think that it's from break-in.

Z15 · Nov 27, 2011

Mine with less than 10,000 miles. I would say most of the wear occurs in first few 1000 miles.

EKinMN · Nov 27, 2011

I did both differentials around 10,000 miles. Both plugs looked like that. I am sure it is from break in. I am pretty happy I got them all changed. I just wish I would have done the transfer case a bit sooner. Although, to the point above, the fluid was nice and red, and clean. So, hopefully the magnet picked up the majority of the metal.

Gorecki · Nov 27, 2011

This is great information! All the shavings I'm seeing here gives me reason to believe I should be doing my diffs and trans case far sooner than I was expecting to do them. Thanks so much!

wheeler82 · Nov 27, 2011

great write up!!..im gunna wait till about 3k miles on mine and then do it!

Line · Dec 3, 2011

dont do it too early if it is indeed due to break in and you truck isnt all the way broke in then it will fill back up just as quick the check with your dealer on when you should do your first change

EKinMN · Dec 3, 2011

The dealer is going to tell you it does not need to be done until about 50,000 miles or so. You can see from mine that would make no sense.

I do agree that one should wait a while. I think 3k is too soon for anything other than motor oil.

jamoka3 · Dec 23, 2011

Is it the same procedure to change the transfer case fluid in a 4wd with auto trac push button setup?

I have a 2005 Silverado with the auto 4wd push button set up, I believe the only fluid we can use is the GM Auto-trac 2 fluid, (I think its blue in color). I heard using any thing else will work for a wile but, It will make the transfer case not last as long... because of internal lubrication failure.

ASTE25 · Dec 24, 2011

Yes, it is the same procedure. You are correct on using the GM specific fluid.

SLCCHEVY · Jan 31, 2012

How do I find out if my transfer case requires the GM specific "blue" fluid. I have an 2007 NBS Chevy Silverado LT 1500 4x4, anyone know?

ASTE25 · Jan 31, 2012

I think your owners manual should specify which fluid it takes.

nerijusj · Feb 8, 2012

Thanks for write up EK! Did mine today along with differentials. Alternative if you don't have fluid pump handy- short flexible funnel. There's enough room to keep a quart bottle above the fill hole, slowly filling the funnel. I used Dexron- VI according to manual on my NBS 07.

Giovanni · Apr 30, 2012

Is this also the same to do on a 97?

ASTE25 · Apr 30, 2012

It should be similar. Check your owners manual to make sure what lube yours takes.

JT in MD · May 30, 2012

Also, DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN THE DRAIN PLUG!... Seriously..

SLCCHEVY · May 30, 2012

nerijusj said:
Thanks for write up EK! Did mine today along with differentials. Alternative if you don't have fluid pump handy- short flexible funnel. There's enough room to keep a quart bottle above the fill hole, slowly filling the funnel. I used Dexron- VI according to manual on my NBS 07.

How many quarts did it take?

EKinMN · Jun 26, 2012

The specs say 1.6 quarts. I had a big jug of Amsoil, so I don't know exactly how much I put in.

chuck_0369 · Jul 2, 2012

Had some time today so I changed my transfer case fluid today, also my front differential, did not get the back done forgot to get a gasket. What a mess I had, the drain pan was not under the drain hole and got all over the driveway, oh well all part of the experience I quess. Refilled with amsoil fluids.

Machster69 · Jul 2, 2012

Lol surprising how far a quart will stretch on concrete! Good move on the swapover...

Hunter · Jul 15, 2012

Changed my transfer case fluid today for the first time ever. 50K plus miles. FIgured I would share the pics.

Transfer Case Plug

Hunter
Jul 15, 2012

Clean transfer case plug

Hunter
Jul 15, 2012

lilmagoo1 · Jul 18, 2012

EKinMN said:
Changing the fluid in your transfer case is extremely easy. It's easier than changing your oil! Follow these simple steps to change your fluid:

Now head out somewhere to go 4-wheeling, and enjoy your well maintained transfer case!

ok so question...is this the same as refilling as a manual tranny? just fill it up until fluid starts coming back out of the whole? for a complete tranny fluid change i was going to do this with dropping the pan i might have a bit of old fluid left but its ok better then not having any fresh fluid...and a new filter...

Machster69 · Jul 18, 2012

lilmagoo1 said:
ok so question...is this the same as refilling as a manual tranny? just fill it up until fluid starts coming back out of the whole? for a complete tranny fluid change i was going to do this with dropping the pan i might have a bit of old fluid left but its ok better then not having any fresh fluid...and a new filter...

Refer to step 6

How to Change Fluid in your Transfer Case

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Transfer Case Plug

Clean transfer case plug

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