2012 XLT 3L V6 - Are PTU and rear axle fluid change necessary?
Doing my regular oil change soon and was considering these fluids. I just don't know if it's necessary.
My car is currently at 178k kilometers. I bought it at an auction at 146k. Used to belong to my city's fleet. Although I can't say what it was used for, it was most likely not a police vehicle for various reasons with the most relevant being that the interior was intact when I got it. No symptoms to suggest the fluids need changing and Ford owner's manual says both the PTU and rear axle are lubricated for like, and to only check or change if there's a leak or repair.
Has anyone changed theirs recently? Why did you and what did you notice after the change?
Here's what the owners manual says:
- The power transfer unit is lubricated for life with synthetic lube. Lubricant levels are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected or repair required. Replace power transfer unit lubricant with specified synthetic lubricant anytime the unit is submerged in water.
- Fill to 1/4 inch to 9/16 inch (6 mm to 14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.
- 4X4 vehicles exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures less than -40°F (-40°C) should change out the rear axle fluid to Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, Ford part number XY-75W140-QL meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance: Change rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water