Axle and transfer case service

[LandShark]

Finally got around to the first service on the axles and transfer case at 42,600 miles, with about 35,000 towing my 10,500# fifth wheel.

What are the two long studs at the 11 o'clock position for on the rear axle???

Transfer case just took a few minutes to drain and fill. Fluid looked slightly darker than the new and I refilled with Mobil 1 ATF. Took just short of 2 quarts. I used this fluid mostly because I had it on hand. Next time it will be ATF+4.

Rear axle was way easy compared to the 2nd gen I used to have, because of not having to deal with silicon sealant and prying off the cover and cleaning the old sealant. Just reuse the gasket. My 11.5 AAM axle used just short of 1 gallon of Mobil Delvac synthetic 75w90. The magnetic drain plug had about 1/32" of iron 'fur' on it. I'm very pleased. My Dana 70 on my old '95 generally had 1/4"+ of fur on it.

Checked the front axle oil and it was still clear, so I'll wait til 100k to service it.

BTW: The Mobile Delvac was available from Amazon for $57 (including tax) delivered to my door in two days. Also had some Rotella T6 ($22.47 gal, plus tax) delivered for what it would cost at Walmart, which is 25 miles away.

 

[Learjet]

What are the two long studs at the 11 o'clock position for on the rear axle???

.

Sensor gets mounted there if you have the Factory Airbag option.

 

[gsbrockman]

Transfer case just took a few minutes to drain and fill. Fluid looked slightly darker than the new and I refilled with Mobil 1 ATF. Took just short of 2 quarts. I used this fluid mostly because I had it on hand. Next time it will be ATF+4.

I believe you have the wrong fluid type in your transfer case.

 

[NIsaacs]

Not sure if it matters but the B/W T-case takes special fluid.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/254501-Transfer-Case-Fluid-Change-Frequency?p=2465145#post2465145

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/258466-MOPAR-BW44-44-transfer-case-fluid?highlight=borg+warner+transfer+case+fluid

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/260323-Near-Cardiac-event-32-quart?highlight=borg+warner+transfer+case+fluid

Nick

 

[Hoefler]

I believe you have the wrong fluid type in your transfer case.

Wrong Fluid

 

[Cummins12V98]

I run AMZ/OIL Universal ATF in my transfer case.

"Finally got around" is an understatement! That gear lube must have been toast with 42K on it. I would service the front NOW.

 

[jhenderson]

Wrong fluid is debatable. The owners manual lists a special BW fluid that’s magically available only from the dealer. There’s no spec listed, even by Borg Warner and BW doesn’t recommend any particular fluid for their cases. They say follow the owners manual. Keep in mind there’s no soft parts in this case. Just gears, chains, and bearings. Just like any other transfer case. Rumor has it that they leave the factory with Dexron in them. I believe the rumor and have run Dexron in mine for the last 50,000+ miles with no problems. Keep in mind I use 4wd on an almost daily basis.

 

[gsbrockman]

Wrong fluid is debatable. The owners manual lists a special BW fluid that’s magically available only from the dealer. There’s no spec listed, even by Borg Warner and BW doesn’t recommend any particular fluid for their cases. They say follow the owners manual. Keep in mind there’s no soft parts in this case. Just gears, chains, and bearings. Just like any other transfer case. Rumor has it that they leave the factory with Dexron in them. I believe the rumor and have run Dexron in mine for the last 50,000+ miles with no problems. Keep in mind I use 4wd on an almost daily basis.

I agree with you that since in a previous post by you everything is basically splash lubricated, it may not really matter after all. With that being said......my transfer case has not really been serviced as it should have, but I also have never allowed the fluid level to get low and I have always used the 68089195AA transfer case fluid.

Maybe I will run Dexron the next time.

Additionally......the 68089195AA fluid truly does not smell like any kind of ATF I have ever used before.

 

[TCDiesel]

I run ATF+4 In every T-case Years Back when I was servicing Vehicles I mentioned what I preferred and OEM recommendation, I cannot remember anyone not allowing ATF+4.. and the last time I checked Nothing special on any 4 Gen T-case. If I had Mobil 1 SYN ATF laying around I use it also.

We recommend you use MOPAR® BW44–44 Transfer Case Fluid. its a recommendation... Unlike this...Only use Mopar® ZF 8&9 Speed ATF™ Automatic Transmission Fluid or
equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission.

 

[Flash1034]

I will tell you this, I replaced the transfer case fluid in my dads truck with the special BW44 fluid. It is blue colored and slightly thicker than ATF+4. If it were my truck...I’d use the specified fluid as it’s clearly not run of the mill atf. My humble opinion only.

 

[KATOOM]

I understood that no oil company makes a replacement fluid for the B/W. I wouldn't use anything else either unless it specifically states cross compatibility.

And however anyone else feels about change intervals, I never bother changing driveline fluids so frequently unless their usage is extreme or get contaminated. Usually 50k minimum and typically 75-100k is just fine. Those fluids dont get hot enough to justify any oxidation issues (unless there's a problem) and the life span of most fluid recipes today are very long life. So why throw money away.....

 

[jhenderson]

Who do you think makes that fluid? FCA? An oil co somewhere makes it and packages it for FCA. If it was a required fluid either Borg Warner or FCA would be required to have a spec. Next you’ll tell us only Mopar def is allowed in our trucks.

 

[TCDiesel]

I was publishing That MS11106 Mopar Euro was Not the best lube for the 3.0VM 15 Months later FCA agree With Me, Even the Lube I was recommending right down to the Name/Spec. I rest My Case.
I test just about everything when it comes to Lube/Fuel...

 

[KATOOM]

Who do you think makes that fluid? FCA? An oil co somewhere makes it and packages it for FCA. If it was a required fluid either Borg Warner or FCA would be required to have a spec. Next you’ll tell us only Mopar def is allowed in our trucks.

Knowing who makes the fluid is not the point. Obviously some manufacture contracted to supply the stock, but unless another manufacture is privy to the proprietary recipe then why would you allow anyone to assume something else is just as good.

Never would I imply only Mopar fluids are required in these trucks either, but it sure gets old hearing every Amsoil dealer take the opportunity to propagate their product in every post. Or to watch all lubricant threads evolve into a oil religion discussion about what someone has used for "X" miles is best.

Isnt there level of responsibility for spreading accurate reliable information on these threads?

 

[TCDiesel]

KATOOM I know you ask Jhenderson, But I would like add some incite, For example You see filters label 2mic in reality these filters only get a % of 2mic ( In many cases small % of 2mic) its misleading. and remember its getting that rating at What Volume/Pressure.
All transfer cases are made with similar refined metals, it has a drive chain and gears They all share common internals.

Now Let's Talk ATF+4 Fluid this was license and produce By X Company, Chrysler actually was sued By other Lube Makers and Won on the Licensing of the product Were ATF+4 is labeling is protected, Super Supertech ATF+4 at Wal-mart is the same Fluid as Valvoline ATF+4 it was specific and Chrysler Require it be used. Thiers Lots of activity and internal parts movement in any AT , plus Clutch material Require specific Fluid, its just Not the case with the Current BW-44. You are Welcome to do as you wish with your TC if you want to use the (RECOMENDED LUBE) its up to you, I'm sticking with the proven lube of ATF+4. and I have No Problem with any other lube in the BW-44 as long as the manufacture approve it use for TC.

The Bandwith/Time does not allow Me to go into agreements made between Maker/seller/supplier. Look at all The Mopar Labels on top Cummins labels at considerable more cost at Dealers. Heck You can't even Buy Gen-New Bosch Injectors form Dealers for Cummins 5.9/6.7, Why BC Ram is NOT the Maker Of the Engine, Cummins is and if Bosch would Sell Dealers direct it would Violate Bosch Cummins agreements.. About 20 Dealers (In America/CA) Buy Gen-New Bosch form TC Diesel to get around this Policy.

I could go on and on How the Seller re-labeled Products at inflated costs.. Here's One for Ya ASRC Aisin Mopar at $20.00+ per QT Is Mobile 3309ATF at $5.00 per QT. I confirmed this with My (Sources)

 

[jhenderson]

The accurate and reliable info is there are no parts inside the BW transfer cases in our trucks that require a special lubricant. No clutches, no electronics. Only bearings, seals, chain, and gears. The same parts that were in cases produced by NP, who was the previous supplier. I’m going to assume you’ve never been inside a transfer case. The type in our trucks is a simple, mechanical reduction box. They us atf because it’s low viscosity which allows ease of shifting in cold weather and is easily pumped by the rudimentary oil pump and splash system in a basic transfer case. Not because the fluid has any special properties. That’s not to be confused with transfer cases in vehicles labeled all wheel drive which have clutches and internal differentials to proportion drive front and back. They require special fluid to facilitate smooth operation of said clutches. That fluid also comes with a spec because it’s reqired, not recommended.

 

[KATOOM]

KATOOM I know you ask Jhenderson, But I would like add some incite...

TCDiesel, I wasnt asking or directing to anyone particular, and we dont disgree either. I was merely making a point that anyone strong-arming members over what fluids they should run dances on the blurry line of irresponsible. Yes, I agree its nice to see what some people have tried and their success.....but this IS the internet for as long as I've participated in many forums abroad, conflating and/or not telling the whole story seems to be a common problem amongst. So I tend to take all opinions and suggestions with their appropriate grains of salt.

I’m going to assume you’ve never been inside a transfer case...

Ya might want to follow the old saying "never assume anything". And its nice to see you're still the same cheery forum member you've always been.

 

[TCDiesel]

I here YA on that, Cheerleading and agenda's have cripple the WEB. I do agree If you going to make statements You should have the resource to back them up...But its up to the reader/listen to decide if the source is trustworthy or NOT...But today the fake Stuff is everywhere.

 

[KATOOM]

I here YA on that, Cheerleading and agenda's have cripple the WEB. I do agree If you going to make statements You should have the resource to back them up...But its up to the reader/listen to decide if the source is trustworthy or NOT...But today the fake Stuff is everywhere.

Well said.....

 

[jhenderson]

TCDiesel, I wasnt asking or directing to anyone particular, and we dont disgree either. I was merely making a point that anyone strong-arming members over what fluids they should run dances on the blurry line of irresponsible. Yes, I agree its nice to see what some people have tried and their success.....but this IS the internet for as long as I've participated in many forums abroad, conflating and/or not telling the whole story seems to be a common problem amongst. So I tend to take all opinions and suggestions with their appropriate grains of salt.



Ya might want to follow the old saying "never assume anything". And its nice to see you're still the same cheery forum member you've always been.

Since your well versed in transfer case operation and repair please tell me what internals in a BW 44 such as are installed in our trucks require special lubricants. I eagerly awaite your response.