Power Transfer Unit problems in AWD?

[MKScruiserCO]

Have read about a lot of problems with the Ford PTU failing. Anyone have any issues with their MKS EB AWD systems? Going to put a drain plug in mine so the lube can be changed out. Seems that there is too much heat around it and the oil gets fried. Interceptors and extreme condition markets (Middle East and AU) vehicles have some factory fixes. NA markets have PTUs with no option to change lube out. Supposed to last a lifetime.

 

[11MarkX]

I'm paranoid of my failing too but I only have 90,000 miles on it. I got it with 60K. First thing I did was change oil, but oil wasn't too dark. Even so I change it every 15K. Yeah, its messy, but I put a tiny clear tube I stick into the fill plug to my wet/dry vacuum and move the tube around it there. I'm amazed how little oil is in there.

I'm afraid to drill into mine since any little shavings could destroy it. The gears and bearings in there are made within hundredths of a micron. You may have to put up with the drain plug leaking because you can't tighten it too much. It'll crack the thin housing. Also, make sure only to use Ford gear oil. The additives in other competitors may actually shorten the life. You probably know not to overfill since it will clog the breather on it and create too much pressure inside the unit.

I've worked with automotive engineers for most of my life. They are very intelligent people but sometimes they do goofy things like this PTU which makes me wonder.

 

[MKScruiserCO]

What you say makes sense. Will try to use a pump to remove old fluid and replace with new Ford brand gear lube.

 

[carpy]

How did pumping out the fluid work? I went and drilled mine and it saves a lot of time. I've seen so many guys show photos of their magnetic fill plug covered in metal shavings from normal wear so I wasn't very concerned. I did clean the drill bit and tap very often and then flushed the ptu with a lighter weight fluid just in case. We'll see how it goes. I do have a leak somewhere on the PTU that I'm trying to find.

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[G-834032]

I used a kids ibuprofen syring with a small rubber hose to suck out as much fluid as possible. Did the reverse to fill back up. Plug had a lot of shavings and fluid was pretty dirty looking. Glad I did that. Will probably do the same in another 25 k miles

 

[BuickGS67]

I just bought a 2014 MKS AWD (3.7) with only 54,000 miles on it from a local used car lot. Gently driven by only one owner. Took it in to my local Lincoln dealership for service and inspection, and they told my my PTU was leaking black sludge from vent tube. Total repair cost is going to be $3,400 for a remanufactured unit with 6 hours labor.

 

[Action]

I just bought a 2014 MKS AWD (3.7) with only 54,000 miles on it from a local used car lot. Gently driven by only one owner. Took it in to my local Lincoln dealership for service and inspection, and they told my my PTU was leaking black sludge from vent tube. Total repair cost is going to be $3,400 for a remanufactured unit with 6 hours labor.

You have asked no question, not sure what you are seeking with this post

If it were me, I would want a second opinion for this 10 year old vehicle.
(Low mileage is not always a good thing either)
Not sure if there is a drain and refill maintenance requirement, if there is, that would be the next step for me. Even if there is not a drain and refill requirement, that is likely what I would do now. Just to see what happens. If I was out a couple of hundred dollars for a couple of fluid chnages and that got me 2 more years of use, it would be worth it to me.

In general I am not in alignment with fluid change intervals that Ford publishes. I treat my vehicles rather kindly when in use. And I do all fluid changes before the recommended intervals. The exception for me is brake fluid because of my location.

You went to the dealership without any mention of sounds/noises or issues with the PTU or AWD feature. Maybe you have never used it. The color of the fluid is not that much of an issue in my opinion. Leaving the fluid in there for 10 years would be more of an issue for me.

My thoughts

Action

 

[BuickGS67]

I’m not currently experiencing any performance issues with the PTU, although I have noticed the odd “propane” smell others have mentioned. The dealership advised me of the need for a replacement simply based on their noticing the “sludge” leak from the vent tube. It’s still drivable. Sadly, these PTU’s have no scheduled maintenance schedule for fluid changes and there is no drain plug other than the fill plug halfway up the case. I’ve seen some fixes online to vacuum out fluids and replace. Maybe that will extend the PTU’s life a bit.

Thanks for your response Action.

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[Action]

That is a course of action I would take. Vacuum out the old fluid and installing new fluid, is a far better choice in my opinion than dropping 3 large based on the fluid coming out of the vent tube.

The internet is littered with articles about the PTU issues. However your experienced posted is not about issues. And the service tech is making a judgement based on an external inspection. No real inspection has been done based on the assemblies performance. And no abnormal sounds are being heard.

Did the tech remove the fill plug to see if fluid was to the bottom of the fill hole?

To repeat myself, I would replace the fluid (as best as possible) and see what happens.

Action

 

[bbf2530]

I’m not currently experiencing any performance issues with the PTU, although I have noticed the odd “propane” smell others have mentioned. The dealership advised me of the need for a replacement simply based on their noticing the “sludge” leak from the vent tube. It’s still drivable. Sadly, these PTU’s have no scheduled maintenance schedule for fluid changes and there is no drain plug other than the fill plug halfway up the case. I’ve seen some fixes online to vacuum out fluids and replace. Maybe that will extend the PTU’s life a bit.

Thanks for your response Action.

Hi BuickGS67. Yes...I can not see the necessity to replace a seemingly low mileage PTU unit, which has had no trouble, other than a supposed "sludge" leak from the vent. Therefore, building on Action's reply and good information: I would attempt to drain (vacuum or however necessary), fill, drain, fill, drain several times to get as much of the "sludge" out. Then fill with the proper spec fluid. It will be far less expensive than a replacement.

Edit- I forgot to mention...Drive the vehicle for 10 miles or so after each vacuum/drain and refill, to circulate the clean fluid and therefore hopefully break up as much sludge/residue as possible and make it easier to remove with the next vacuum/drain.

And even if you decide to go the replacement route, get at least two more estimates before making a decision.

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

[Matt.S]

I just bought a 2014 MKS AWD (3.7) with only 54,000 miles on it from a local used car lot. Gently driven by only one owner. Took it in to my local Lincoln dealership for service and inspection, and they told my my PTU was leaking black sludge from vent tube. Total repair cost is going to be $3,400 for a remanufactured unit with 6 hours labor.

Doorman makes an improved PTU WITH a heat shield. Might be worth a look vs a remanufactured unit.

 

[MKScruiserCO]

I just bought a 2014 MKS AWD (3.7) with only 54,000 miles on it from a local used car lot. Gently driven by only one owner. Took it in to my local Lincoln dealership for service and inspection, and they told my my PTU was leaking black sludge from vent tube. Total repair cost is going to be $3,400 for a remanufactured unit with 6 hours labor.

You can replace the fluid yourself with a few tools and some drive on ramps from local auto parts store. The fill/inspection hole plug is 3/8” square so a ratchet will fit directly. Is pipe thread and not too tight. Check to see if it has fluid by sticking your finger in the hole. I would just use a suction device and pull out the old fluid and refill with Motorcraft synthetic 75W140 gear oil. It is what was put in at the factory. Replace every 50k miles. If original is dirty then replace after 5k after 1st change to flush out all the dirty junk. I’m replacing mine again when it is due for next engine oil change. A children’s liquid ibuprofen syringe with a rubber hose works great to remove and refill the PTU although it is a bit slow and messy.

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[BuickGS67]

I went to a local transmission shop and they replaced the PTU with a brand new Ford part. Thankfully the extended service contract I purchased when I bought the vehicle covered the repair, so I only had to pay the deductible ($100).

 

[Matt.S]

Might want to see if the new unit has a drain plug. Probably does. You'll want to set a service interval.

 

[G-579502]

I went to a local transmission shop and they replaced the PTU with a brand new Ford part. Thankfully the extended service contract I purchased when I bought the vehicle covered the repair, so I only had to pay the deductible ($100).

SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE THE SAME WARRANTY FROM CARVAN I HAVE..LOL