About Transfer Cases

Automobiles have many important components that require routine maintenance to keep the car operating safely and efficiently. Whether it's the engine and transmission or the wheels, the quality of these parts can hinder and eventually halt all movement if they go bad. Also, when these components fail, they can endanger the lives of the passengers in the car. For owners of four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles, however, it's critical to perform or request transfer case service at the time scheduled in your vehicle Owners Manual Transfer Case Maintenance Schedule OR when this necessary part begins to malfunction.

The transfer case enables the front and rear axles of the vehicle to work properly. These axles are powered by the energy taken from the transmission, sent to the transfer case and then moved to the drive shafts. Without a transfer case, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive capabilities of your vehicle are rendered useless, making it extremely difficult or even impossible to drive in certain conditions.

When and How to Perform Transfer Case Maintenance

Although rates can vary, a transfer case service cost can range from low to very expensive depending on what needs to be done. If you simply need to change transfer case fluid as part of the services called for in you 4x4s’ Owners Manual Lubrication and Maintenance Schedule, prices are typically on the low-end around $100; keep in mind, though, that mechanics and shops may charge more. But if the transfer case must be rebuilt or replaced completely, that rate can soar to nearly $3,000. This is why it's absolutely necessary for you to stay up to date on changing your transfer case oil.

Replacing Your Transfer Case Lubricant

Similar to how a standard oil change works, replacing your transfer case oil is relatively easy and requires you to drain and replace the liquid from the component. Unlike an oil change, though, there is no serviceable filter, meaning the transfer case lubricant can become dirty much more easily. Still, unless you're experiencing the faulty symptoms mentioned before, you can change transfer case fluid every 30,000 miles or the mileage/time interval listed in your owners manual to keep it operating at peak performance. If you want to avoid a transfer case service cost and perform maintenance yourself, you'll need to follow these steps: