Changing the transfer case fluid.

[GN2018]

What kind of shop do I take my truck to for changing the transfer case fluid?  The dealer wanted over $600 to do the work.  I'm assuming this isn't something I can do myself.  I'm handy, but I wouldn't want to take on a job that is much more difficult than changing the engine oil (open drain, close drain, refill fluid . . ).

 

I did take it to the dealer to do the transmission fluid change.  Given that they just exchange the fluid and I have no real way to test the fluid, I'm nervous that they even changed it but the transmission shop did not have the equipment to do the flush and wanted a lot to drop the pan.  Anyway, that's done (hopefully) and now I need to get the transfer case fluid changed.

 

Thanks for the help.

[Z45]

$600 IMO is a big rip-off.    Easy job, akin to changing oil. Remove drain plug, drain. Put plug back in and add 1.6 qts dexron VI atf.   

[newdude]

Sounds like they quoted you an entire driveline service.  Sounds like they quoted you an entire 4x4 driveline service for $600, so both diffs and the transfer case.  Transfer case is not $600 on its own.  

[GN2018]

2 hours ago, newdude said:

Sounds like they quoted you an entire driveline service.  Sounds like they quoted you an entire 4x4 driveline service for $600, so both diffs and the transfer case.  Transfer case is not $600 on its own.  

Maybe but he knew I was doing the trans (which I did for $437) so if he was doing the rest of the driveline, the total would have been over $1K.

 

As always, there was a whole list of things he recommended and that came to $1,700.  Thankfully, I’m not a total sucker.  Just someone who couldn’t figure out a better place to get the trans done.

 

So, the rest of the driveline is the transfer case and the rear differential?  Is there a front differential that gets fluid changed?  And again, who does this work?

[Jay P]

I agree that $600 is way too much for just the transfer case. 

A good practice if you are going to change it your self is to make sure you can get the fill plug out before removing the drain plug (applies to diffs also). Kind of hard to fill if you can't get the fill plug out.

Edited September 18, 2025 by Jay P

[Z45]

Quote

Is there a front differential that gets fluid changed?  And again, who does this work?

Yes but it may not be as easy as transfer case as some will not have a drain plug (on front axle) so lube has to be vacuumed out. My 2021 6.2L Denali was like that.  For the dealer to change my front and rear axle plus transfer case with AMSOIL fluid I supplied was a little over $125, their labor rate in 2021.  Labor rate is now $195.  If you let them supply the fluid be advised it will likely be very expensive (seen ii for over $40 qt) as GM prices those very high even though the dealer may source it anywhere he wants and pay considerable less but still charge you the GM price.   

 

ACDelco GM Original Equipment GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Axle Lubricant - 1 qt

GM Part # 88900401

ACDelco Part # 10-4016

Quantity 1 qt

MSRP $45.15

 

You can buy 2 qts of AMSOIL for that price and its 10x better than the GM. 

Edited September 19, 2025 by Z45

[GN2018]

I’m sorry to be a pain, but I’m still trying to understand.  The first thing I think I’m understanding is that there’s two differentials (front and back) that need drained and filled.  Then there’s the transfer case.  Does the transfer case and the differentials take the same fluid?

 

Then, I’m still wondering, does no one but the dealer do this work?  Wouldn’t a transmission shop do these services?  Or, is it okay to use a general mechanic?  The problem I have is that I’ve leased cars for so long (while working and now I’m retired), that I don’t have a relationship with a good mechanic anymore.

 

Looking for how best to proceed and maintain the vehicle generally in line with the “severe” maintenance schedule, even though I’m really easy on it.  The schedule in the manual only mentions the transmission and the transfer case.

[KARNUT]

49 minutes ago, GN2018 said:

I’m sorry to be a pain, but I’m still trying to understand.  The first thing I think I’m understanding is that there’s two differentials (front and back) that need drained and filled.  Then there’s the transfer case.  Does the transfer case and the differentials take the same fluid?

 

Then, I’m still wondering, does no one but the dealer do this work?  Wouldn’t a transmission shop do these services?  Or, is it okay to use a general mechanic?  The problem I have is that I’ve leased cars for so long (while working and now I’m retired), that I don’t have a relationship with a good mechanic anymore.

 

Looking for how best to proceed and maintain the vehicle generally in line with the “severe” maintenance schedule, even though I’m really easy on it.  The schedule in the manual only mentions the transmission and the transfer case.

Chill a little. You don’t say how many miles you have on it. I have to agree it sounds like drain and fill on everything. Go on YouTube and find out the process for changing fluids on your front differential, transfer case etc. The difficulty drives the cost. My Ridgeline for example was less than 600$ for draining and filling everything including oil. I know how to do all of it but I have a good dealer. I wanted the brakes checked among other things. If you’re handy and prefer you can get a pump to drain fluids. I do that with my transmission on my Hondas. You’re probably not in the danger zone with any of the fluids, especially with the rear ends or transfer case. In reality most people never change them. Just educate yourself don’t be afraid of some of the stuff you read here, just look it up and get educated. 

[newdude]

1 hour ago, GN2018 said:

I’m sorry to be a pain, but I’m still trying to understand.  The first thing I think I’m understanding is that there’s two differentials (front and back) that need drained and filled.  Then there’s the transfer case.  Does the transfer case and the differentials take the same fluid?

 

Then, I’m still wondering, does no one but the dealer do this work?  Wouldn’t a transmission shop do these services?  Or, is it okay to use a general mechanic?  The problem I have is that I’ve leased cars for so long (while working and now I’m retired), that I don’t have a relationship with a good mechanic anymore.

 

Looking for how best to proceed and maintain the vehicle generally in line with the “severe” maintenance schedule, even though I’m really easy on it.  The schedule in the manual only mentions the transmission and the transfer case.

 

 

Any reputable shop can do diffs, transfer case and maybe transmission (depends on the transmission and whether they want to touch it or not).

 

Severe maintenance would be diffs (rear or both front and rear if you have 4x4), transmission and transfer case every 45,000mi.  

 

Each item takes its own fluid.

 

Both diffs take 75w85 gear oil.

 

Transfer case takes Dexron 6 transmission fluid.  DO NOT put this in the transmission!

 

Transmission, assuming its a 10 speed takes Dexron ULV transmission fluid.  DO NOT put this in the transfer case!

 

 

Edited September 19, 2025 by newdude

[GN2018]

18 minutes ago, newdude said:

 

Transmission, assuming its a 10 speed takes Dexron ULV transmission fluid.  DO NOT put this in the transfer case!

 

Thanks for your help.

 

The trans is a 10 speed.  I'm not sure what the dealer put in, but I would hope they know what they're doing.  My invoice simply says -  1  3153  SYN TRANS FLUID    $183.23

 

BTW, you don't happen to hang out on the TFP pool site do you?  There's a guy there named Newdude that was very helpful to me over the years.

[GN2018]

29 minutes ago, KARNUT said:

Chill a little. You don’t say how many miles you have on it. I have to agree it sounds like drain and fill on everything. Go on YouTube and find out the process for changing fluids on your front differential, transfer case etc. The difficulty drives the cost. My Ridgeline for example was less than 600$ for draining and filling everything including oil. I know how to do all of it but I have a good dealer. I wanted the brakes checked among other things. If you’re handy and prefer you can get a pump to drain fluids. I do that with my transmission on my Hondas. You’re probably not in the danger zone with any of the fluids, especially with the rear ends or transfer case. In reality most people never change them. Just educate yourself don’t be afraid of some of the stuff you read here, just look it up and get educated. 

Thanks.  The truck has 43K on it so I'm doing the 45K services.

[newdude]

13 minutes ago, GN2018 said:

Thanks for your help.

 

The trans is a 10 speed.  I'm not sure what the dealer put in, but I would hope they know what they're doing.  My invoice simply says -  1  3153  SYN TRANS FLUID    $183.23

 

BTW, you don't happen to hang out on the TFP pool site do you?  There's a guy there named Newdude that was very helpful to me over the years.

 

 

3153 is a BG Products ATF.  BG Low Viscosity Full Synthetic.  It is compatible with the Dexron ULV spec fluid.  We use it here and it's been a good fluid in these 10 speeds.  

 

BG Low Viscosity Full Synthetic ATF – BG Products, Inc.

 

Being they used that, that tells me they use BG for all their maintenance fluids which explains the costs you are getting.  Doesn't explain $600 for just the transfer case though lol which tells me it was $600 for a 4x4 service as that would add up.  For transfer cases they use BG SynchroShift II which is about $85 for a 2 quart container.  The BG diff oils are like $125 for the 3 quart rear diff container and $85 for the 2 quart for the front. 

 

Pricing may vary of course from dealer to dealer for the BG stuff but $300 in fluid and a couple hours of labor gets you that $600 you originally spoke of.  

 

TFP pool site?  Like for swimming pools?  Wasn't me LOL 

[GN2018]

9 minutes ago, newdude said:

 

 

3153 is a BG Products ATF.  BG Low Viscosity Full Synthetic.  It is compatible with the Dexron ULV spec fluid.  We use it here and it's been a good fluid in these 10 speeds.  

 

BG Low Viscosity Full Synthetic ATF – BG Products, Inc.

 

Being they used that, that tells me they use BG for all their maintenance fluids which explains the costs you are getting.  Doesn't explain $600 for just the transfer case though lol which tells me it was $600 for a 4x4 service as that would add up.  For transfer cases they use BG SynchroShift II which is about $85 for a 2 quart container.  The BG diff oils are like $125 for the 3 quart rear diff container and $85 for the 2 quart for the front. 

 

Pricing may vary of course from dealer to dealer for the BG stuff but $300 in fluid and a couple hours of labor gets you that $600 you originally spoke of.  

 

TFP pool site?  Like for swimming pools?  Wasn't me LOL 

Thanks.  That makes sense then because the service advisor was saying that when I'm done, all the drive train fluid would be changed.  Maybe I'll go ahead and do that at my next oil change.  I think I have some reward points and maybe a 15% off coupon that will put the price in a more respectable range.

[Black02Silverado]

Like @newdude said, any reputable shop can do it.  If you want to use the fluids by GM you can find them on Rock Auto or go to the dealer.  If interested in AMSOIL, let me know and I can get you the lowest cost.  

 

You use this on the differentials.  https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-severe-gear-75w-85-100-synthetic-gear-lube-svl/?zo=521390

 

I see you did the transmission but for future reference this is what it takes and what I put in my 10sp.

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-signature-series-ulv-100-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-ulv/?zo=521390

 

The transfer case takes this and you will need two qts.  The Easy Packs makes it a clean spill free job and well, easy.

https://www.amsoil.com/p/amsoil-signature-series-fuel-efficient-100-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid-atl/?zo=521390

 

 

[GETGONE]

GM went away from the specific auto track transfer case fluid? When I had my 2008 Avalanche with auto-track it required specific fluid different than that of just a standard 4x4 transfer case.