Transfer case maintenance

[Sylvatica]

I've been fairly satisfied so far with my wife's new 2007 EX. I hope it stays that way.

As far as PM's go, drop/refill of engine oil and ATF is as straightforward as it gets.

Since I didn't find any info by searching, my questions for you folks are:

What is the transfer case lube specification?

Can someone please verify drain & fill plug locations, so I don't make a major mistake?

Many thanks.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Sylvatica
I've been fairly satisfied so far with my wife's new 2007 EX. I hope it stays that way.

As far as PM's go, drop/refill of engine oil and ATF is as straightforward as it gets.

Since I didn't find any info by searching, my questions for you folks are:

What is the transfer case lube specification?

Can someone please verify drain & fill plug locations, so I don't make a major mistake?

Many thanks.

What little of a "transfer case" exists, is lubricated by the Transmission ATF and is not serviced separately.

The rear VTM-4 unit (the so called "differential") is filled with a specific VTM-4 fluid and is serviced on its own schedule.

Check your owner's manual for the exact schedule.

[Sylvatica]

Thanks N_jay.

Yes, I've already done a VTM-4 drain & refill. Very simple. (yes, I drop all lubricants on a break-in basis on all new vehicles)

I wonder how much of the transfer case lube is draining out with a transmission drain, or if I could get a more complete change by draining the transfer case as well? And it looks like the drain plug may be magnetic. That transfer case is certainly "compact."

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Sylvatica
Thanks N_jay.

Yes, I've already done a VTM-4 drain & refill. Very simple. (yes, I drop all lubricants on a break-in basis on all new vehicles)

I wonder how much of the transfer case lube is draining out with a transmission drain, or if I could get a more complete change by draining the transfer case as well? And it looks like the drain plug may be magnetic. That transfer case is certainly "compact."

If it needed to be done, Honda would tell you to do it.

[Medic721]

In 2006 they seperated the 'transfer case' it only takes about a half of a quart of gear lube I used synthetic 75W90.

-Mike.

[Medic721]

about half way down there are links to the mdx site with pictures...

Quickest Fluid Change

-Mike.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Medic721
In 2006 they seperated the 'transfer case' it only takes about a half of a quart of gear lube I used synthetic 75W90.

-Mike.

Interesting.

I did not know they separated it.
Did the pilot get it the same year, or '07?\

What is the Honda recommended fluid?

[GreenMachine]

Originally posted by N_Jay


Interesting.

I did not know they separated it.
Did the pilot get it the same year, or '07?\

What is the Honda recommended fluid?

I wasn't aware either even though I remember reading about it. I thought it fell in the same category as 2WD owners that get a 6 as part of their maintenance minder.

Glad I read this for when it's finally time to change it.

[Medic721]

Acura had it much earlier. the pilot made the change in 2006 and up models. the honda recomended fluid is 80W90 gear lube. like I said I udes 75W90 Mobil 1 synthetic.

It is an easy service, just make sure you can open the fill plug before the drain plug.

I made that mistake on a rear diff once (non honda) and had one heck of a time filling it from the frain hole.

-Mike.

[Sylvatica]

Medic721,

Thanks for the link. That's what I was looking for.

I'm going to change out the fluid, going to go synthetic.

I need to get a service manual for our 2007...

[jarizzo]

Let this old thread rise from the grave!

I need to change the xfer case fluid on my 06 before towing season. The Honda spec says SAE 90 hypoid gear oil above 0 degrees F and 80W-90 below zero. The only SAE 90's I can find are in 5 gallon quantities, but the xfer case only needs 0.45 quarts. Has anyone who used 75W-90 or 80W-90 at above zero temps had any bad experiences? Making noises perhaps or degraded 4WD performance? If the spec calls for 90 weight and I use something a little thinner, what would the potential complications be? I've heard of differential chatter issues when people move to synthetics. Could a similar thing happen with the xfer case? Is there something more particular about the specification, like GL-4 or GL-5 or something that would best meet the needs of the hypoid transfer system?

Thanks in advance...

John

[Medic721]

I have used synthetic 75w90 and have had no problems with my 06 EXL. 20K+ since my first change.

-Mike.

[jarizzo]

Originally posted by Medic721
I have used synthetic 75w90 and have had no problems with my 06 EXL. 20K+ since my first change.

-Mike.

Thanks Mike. Mine is an '06 EX-L also. I found an Amsoil-sponsored lab test report of about a dozen different 75W-90 and 80W-90 gear oils. Amsoil comes out on top of the Amsoil-sponsored testing, imagine that. The information in the test could be interesting to read while you're waiting for paint to dry or perhaps at other times when you're sitting down waiting for something to happen... Here's the link if anybody is interested:

http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g2457.swf

I might just order a quart of the Amsoil 75W-90 gear oil for about $12 and try it out. If that doesn't work out, I'll take it to the stealership and have them put in whatever they would use.

Cheers!

John

[Medic721]

I think the last time I used either valvoline snythetic or mobil 1 synthetic.

It is very easy just a drain plug and a fill plug.

-Mike.

[jarizzo]

I changed the transfer case fluid today in just a few minutes' time. It was just as easy as you said it was. Same as the transmission: 3/8" drive drain and fill plugs with crush washers. I ended up spending the $12 or so to try a quart of Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 and it took about half a quart as expected. The stuff that drained out was slightly opaque, while the new stuff was transparent. There was no residue or particulate matter accumulated on the drain plug, which I guess is a good thing.

Simple garage job with a ratchet and torque wrench. Kind of messy with a hand pump for the quart bottle. It wanted to leak backward in the hose and drip all over the place. Glad I did it nonetheless. Now that almost all the fluids and filters are changed, I feel comfortable towing the camper this summer.

Thanks for the advice Mike.

Cheers!

John