Greetings..need some help with Transfer case oil !!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: orlando
Sold 2003 CLK 500,2003 SL 500,2006 Acura MDX,1998 BMW M3 convertible
Greetings..need some help with Transfer case oil !!
I was servicing my wife ML by changing the front,rear diffs and transfer case oils. Its A 1999 ml320 with 162,020 miles . I USED Mobil 1 Syn 75 90w gear oil. today . I just notice online that the transfer case only used dextron 3. But when I drain my transfer case fluid on my wife ML the oil was yellow and it smell like gear oil .It didn't had tranny fluid on it and the truck runs fine for many miles ? Can I get some advice here please.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: orlando
Sold 2003 CLK 500,2003 SL 500,2006 Acura MDX,1998 BMW M3 convertible
I just replaced my transfer case with automatic transmission fluid today . I know about using the correct oem fluid is best choice, but how can my ml320 with over 160000 miles ran on gear oil on transfer case with no mechanical problem," Transfer case Ran and drove smooth with gear oil".....lol
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
'99 CL500, 2000 C230 Kompressor, '04 ML350
Yeah, transfer case is not a hydraulic system if I understand it correctly, the fluid in there is only meant to cool and lubricate. Apparently, 75w90 gear oil can do all that 
And ATF can also do it although it really is meant for a different purpose entirely. I was surprised myself when I found out our T-case is meant to be filled with ATF....
And ATF can also do it although it really is meant for a different purpose entirely. I was surprised myself when I found out our T-case is meant to be filled with ATF....
