W211 (or any 4MATIC) transfer case; backfill or not?
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ES350 4Matic
W211 (or any 4MATIC) transfer case; backfill or not?
Hiya gang. So, as part of my catching up/baselining on maintenance for my new to me '08 E350 4matic, I'm getting ready to change out every fluid except for the washer. Already flushed the brakes, oil looks good but I'm scare of what I'll find in the transfer case and to a lesser extent the differentials.
I've seen conflicting info backfilling the transfer case on these cars. I don't have a lift and if I can avoid having to drop the driveline and all that, that would save a good day of wrenching in the Texas heat.
I've seen both warnings that it has be filled from the top because of some sort of reservoir, and others saying that's bollocks and the fluid will climb to the top. I tend to think towards the latter category. If there is a top reservoir, then how does it refill itself if not from the transfer case fluid climbing the gears? It doesn't make sense to me but I also could be missing something.
Any definitive input appreciated, thanks in advance.
I've seen conflicting info backfilling the transfer case on these cars. I don't have a lift and if I can avoid having to drop the driveline and all that, that would save a good day of wrenching in the Texas heat.
I've seen both warnings that it has be filled from the top because of some sort of reservoir, and others saying that's bollocks and the fluid will climb to the top. I tend to think towards the latter category. If there is a top reservoir, then how does it refill itself if not from the transfer case fluid climbing the gears? It doesn't make sense to me but I also could be missing something.
Any definitive input appreciated, thanks in advance.
