Metal Shavings On Transfer Case Drain Plug

Mossyoakglock · December 16, 2009

I changed my transfer case fluid the other day with some Valvoline Synthetic Dex VI and noticed that my drail plug had a bunch of metal shavings on it. The magnet was completely covered. I know that there will be some due to the breakin period, but I'm not sure how much. The truck has about 26,400 miles on it now too. I should have gotten a picture of it also.

Also, how essential is it to making sure the drain and fill plugs are torqued to 18 ft. lbs? I don't have a torque wrench so I just guessed. I know they are not supposed to be tightened all the down to where the head is flush with the case, so I didnt do that.

MS3DALE · December 16, 2009

The transfer case drain plugs on all my trucks had quite a bit of metal shavings on them for the first drain,I usually do the first drain/refill around 15-20,000 miles.

And as long as you put some Teflon sealer on the plugs you'll be fine.

Spurshot · December 16, 2009

Being a gearbox, as opposed to an engine, I always expect some fair sized debris.

Nytemare · December 16, 2009

Yeah...pretty normal to have debris...especially in chain driven t-case. Not sure if these are chain or Gear on Gear...leaning toward Chain though.

Also...Do you have the auto 4wd setting on your t-case...if so you need the new GM blue T-case oil. Dex IV is not good for it.

Mossyoakglock · December 17, 2009

Yes, I do have the Auto 4wd on my truck. Dev VI is what the manual called for, so that is what I used. I believe in 08, maybe late 07 they switched to Dev VI for the transfer case. My dad's 07 Avalanche calls for the Auto Trak fluid or whatever it's called. Rick, can you confirm?

Rich, is there a fluid at any autoparts stores that meet the requirements of the AutoTrak fluid, or is this a dealer only item?

Nytemare · December 17, 2009

Yes, I do have the Auto 4wd on my truck. Dev VI is what the manual called for, so that is what I used. I believe in 08, maybe late 07 they switched to Dev VI for the transfer case. My dad's 07 Avalanche calls for the Auto Trak fluid or whatever it's called. Rick, can you confirm?

Could be...to my knowledge though if you have an NV246 transfer case...you use the blue (auto track II). I am not sure if they switched T-cases for the 08+, or they could have made the Dex IV compatible with the T-Case, so its a single fluid change...no chance of screwing it up.

MS3DALE · December 17, 2009

Yes, I do have the Auto 4wd on my truck. Dev VI is what the manual called for, so that is what I used. I believe in 08, maybe late 07 they switched to Dev VI for the transfer case. My dad's 07 Avalanche calls for the Auto Trak fluid or whatever it's called. Rick, can you confirm?

Yes,GM has moved away from the AutoTrac II fluid in favor of Dexron VI in most transfer cases,Some also take a manual transmission fluid. The best thing is to always check your owners manual for the correct fluid.

An '07 Avalanche with the NVG246 transfer case (RPO NP8) calls for AutoTrac II,The '07-up GMT900 pickups with the MP3023 transfer case (RPO NQH) calls for Dexron VI.

MS3DALE · December 17, 2009

Rich, is there a fluid at any autoparts stores that meet the requirements of the AutoTrak fluid, or is this a dealer only item?

No,Its only available at the dealer.....Part#12378508

Spurshot · December 17, 2009

The 246 is a chain driven unit as are most of the late model x-fer cases. I had my 99 2500's case apart last yr. and replaced the chain, bearings, oilpump, and the output shaft. Chains for these run about $100.

There's an oilpump problem where the factory steel clip that protects the case from the oilpump rubbing fails and the pump tab wears thru the case and the case leaks at the top.