In this video we talk about how the Transfer Case works, what is the job of the Transfer Case is, signs on failure, a mention of the Saturn Vue AWD System Specifics and finish off the video with a transfer case fluid change! Read below for morie info and a complete parts list to do this job!

[Gear Oil - Pick One!]
Gear Oil - Valvoline SynPower SAE 75W-90 Full Synthetic (CHEAP): https://amzn.to/3zUSJrz
Gear Oil - ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4034 Dexron LS 75W-90 (OEM): https://amzn.to/3xYGqZc

[Tools]
Fluid Pump: https://amzn.to/3cchWTa
Cheap Catch Pan: https://amzn.to/2VPeWUf
9pc Socket Extension Set: 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Drive: https://amzn.to/3pnvQGz

[Misc Tools]
U-Joint Set: 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Drive: https://amzn.to/3ambTvs
Metric Wrench Set 8mm - 22mm: https://amzn.to/2xQn3ot
Socket Set 123pc Metric and Imperial - Good Quality: https://amzn.to/2NhqhL9
Socket Set Metric/SAE 23pc - Good Quality: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

[Transfer Case - What it Does]
"Transfer's" Power to or away from an axle; so a set of wheels.
The transfer case transfers power from the transmission to the front and rear axles through the use of a drive shaft. It also synchronizes the difference between the rotation of the front and rear wheels, in much the same way the differential acts on a given axle. This is necessary because the front and rear tires never turn at the same speed.
It may also contain one or more sets of low range gears for off-road use.

[Types]
Transfer cases generally allow the driver to select 2WD or 4WD, as well as high or low gear ranges either manually or electronically.
Those used in certain vehicles I.e. sports cars, performance sedans etc are usually "transparent" to the driver; there is no shifter or select lever. It's an on-demand system.

[Saturn Vue AWD System Specifics]
On the Saturn Vue it's a mechanical "on demand" system and transparent to the driver. When the front wheels spin faster than the rears, the AWD will automatically disengage shortly after the front wheel speed matches the rear wheel speed.

When the wheels slip, the input speed of the front wheels compared the rear differential wheel speed is greater. This in turn makes a gear set in the rear end spin, which pumps fluid and builds hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic pressure in turn applies force to the clutch packs in the RDM and engages the AWD. Once the speed is equal then the unit disengages all on it's own. That is how this system works.

The concept works except for 2 issues:
1) there is too much delay before engagement
2) the unit was built too light and can not take prolonged use.
Point #1 was implemented because of point #2.

[Common Problems]
1. Leaking gear oil externally. Typically due to a seal (I.e. tail shaft seal where the drive shaft meets), bushing or a gasket.
2. Seal between the transmission and transfer case has been compromised. If you pull the re-full plug out of the transfer case, and liquid pours out, then its overfull. It's pretty much impossible to manually overfill the transfer case using the re-fill plug, so we can assume transmission fluid has mixed with our transfer case oil causing these high levels. Typically, you can just remove the transfer case itself to replace the seal.
3. Grinding noises. Low fluid or old gear oil. Most car manufacturers state that the oil in rear differentials and transfer cases can meet the lifetime of the vehicle and do not require changing. However, this is not always the case. When an oil comes into contact with oxygen, light, and heat, its composition begins to change. Over time, it starts to lose its strength and effectiveness.

[Fluid Change - Saturn Vue]
1. Engage the paring brake and jack up the car and place on jack stands. Alternatively, use ramps.
2. Remove the re-fill plug first and accompanying gasket.
3. Place a drain pan underneath the transfer case drain plug and remove the drain plug
4. Tighten the drain plug to 44 N·m (33 lb ft).
5. Re-fill the transfer case with synthetic gear oil GM P/N 12378261 to the re-fill hole. It will hold 450ml of oil.
6. Tighten the oil fill plug to 44 N·m (33 lb ft).

Manual Shift On-the-Fly (MSOF)
Electronic Shift On-the-Fly (ESOF)


#TransferCase #SaturnVue #12378261


Video Title: Transfer Case Fluid Change - The 101 and Signs of Failure (Saturn Vue)

Video File Created Date: Thursday, 24 June, 2021 (Video may or may not have been captured on this date, it shows the date the video was last converted.)

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