In That Case? (Transfer Case Exchange)

Posted January 25, 2026 1:55 AM

Ever wonder how all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicles get the power from the engine to the front and rear wheels? The magic happens in what's called a transfer case.  In some all-wheel-drive vehicles, it's sometime called a power take-off unit, or PTU.

Inside the transfer case is a set of gears.  And to keep those gears meshing smoothly, they have to be lubricated and kept cool.  What does that is called transfer case fluid. Depending on your vehicle's type of transfer case, it is filled with either an automatic transmission fluid, a gear oil that's a bit thicker or transfer case fluid designed to be use for your transfer case.

As happens with all lubricating fluids, the transfer case fluid has things in it that break down the older they get.  They have corrosion inhibitors, detergents and anti-foaming agents that keep the lubricant from getting air bubbles in it. Transfer cases don't have filters in them to clean out impurities.

If you don't have your transfer case fluid exchanged for fresh, you risk damage to the case, and that can run into thousands of dollars.  So the wise driver makes sure the fluid is changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.  For many vehicles, that is every 30,000 mi/50,000 km, but some require it more frequently.   Your vehicle service facility can advise you on what your vehicle's optimal interval is.

During the fluid exchange, any metal filings that may have come off are cleaned off of the drain and fill plugs that are usually magnetized to catch the stray metal pieces.

If you hear grinding noises coming from under your vehicle or if it is having trouble shifting gears or going in and out of 4-wheel-drive, those could be signs your transfer case needs service. In that case, have our technicians check it out.  The best plan of action?  Keep your transfer case fluid maintained and it should keep you heading down the road for years to come.

Dennis Road Automotive
11155 Dennis Road
Dallas, TX 75229
9722411901



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What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

Where do I start ADAM ADAM ADAM remember that name his customer service was outstanding, spectacular, and above and beyond, when I first pulled up he had a Genuine spirit, His presence made me feel very comfortable, I didn't get this feeling this guys just here to do a job and get paid, but that he has a heart to care about his clients, He listened, took notes, and understood what I was requesting fully. I told him how I went to another mechanic shop and how I was treated there and how much they were trying to charge me to fix an issue he emphasized with me and understood that not everyone have money to blow especially fixing unnecessary things that doesn't necessarily pertain to the issue at hand I was being upsold at another mechanic shop and over charged but ADAM rest assured he doesn't do that there he knows when you treat a customer right they'll continue to be loyal. I was expecting to have it in the shop for a while and having to Uber to work and back it gets expensive when you're 30 mins away from work. He was able to fix my Auto Stop Start and Check Engine light for dang near HALF the price of another mechanic shop quoted me and didn't upsell me and fixed it in 2 DAYS! He was so nice I offered a tip 3 times and he denied it real genuine he also checked in on me to make sure things were straight. I was extremely happy to know it's fixed and that I'm saving HALF the price I was quoted I found my Guy and Mechanic shop at Dennis Auto Motive HIGHLY RECOMMEND quotes-image
, 01/16/2026
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I've trusted Dennis Road Automotive for many years, though it's been a while since my last visit, mainly because they're not open on weekends. I've always appreciated their straightforward service, and I still miss Riley, who brought a great personal touch to the experience. On my most recent visit, I was charged $374 for a new battery for a Lexus ES350. I'm not sure how that compares in today's economy, but it gave me the same feeling you get when dining out these days, quality isn't necessarily better, yet the prices seem to jump significantly. The work was completed, and the team was professional, but the cost left me wondering if the value aligns with what it used to be. I still want to support businesses that have served the community for so long, and I hope they continue to provide honest, dependable service at a price that feels fair in the current market.quotes-image
, 12/10/2025
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