AWD Transfer Case Vibration Possible Fix

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Sep 13, 2017 | 08:15 AM

#16

UZ214

Pole Position

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 2,669

Likes: 223

From: DE

Is there a DIY here for this fluid change, I am thinking of doing this

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadfrog

This. I did mine in about a half hour. I used Toyota fluid which was priced similar to aftermarket fluids.

Sep 15, 2017 | 09:25 PM

#17

PRSUIT460

Racer

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,467

Likes: 16

From: Wisconsin

My '13 I picked up has a vibration on decel and a '14 I drove did as well. Is that common?

Oct 10, 2018 | 07:28 AM

#18

kentoby

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 2

From: WA

Please claify which fluid to change...

Hello,
My 09 LS460 AWD is experiencing the common shudder issue while making tight turns at low speed and I'm reading that the fix is to change the fluid in the transfer case.

My concern is: The transfer case simply drives the front differential (where the clutches, etc. are), so isn't the front differential the source of the chatter and not the transfer case? I'd hate to spend the time and $$$ changing the wrong fluid.

Thanks, KT...

Oct 10, 2018 | 08:06 AM

#19

213374U

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 946

Likes: 139

From: TX

Do you only feel the shudder at full lock (or almost there)?

The shudder this thread is referencing is not what you're talking about and if the above is true then it's perfectly normal. Ever spent time in a FWD car?

Oct 10, 2018 | 09:04 AM

#20

kentoby

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 2

From: WA

I guess my question is: I read that the chatter between clutch plates goes away due to re-formulated lubricant. The clutch plates are in the differential, not the the transfer case (to my knowledge), so should I change the differential fluid to the new re-formulated lubricant. What is chattering and what fluid should be changed to address this?

Thanks, KT

Oct 10, 2018 | 05:42 PM

#21

kentoby

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 20

Likes: 2

From: WA

OK, I went ahead and changed the transfer case oil today and like magic the noise went away instantly. Thanks, KT

Feb 14, 2019 | 02:58 PM

#22

VQT

Lexus Champion

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 1,603

Likes: 5

From: Las Vegas, NV

Update on the longevity of the after market oil please. I don't want to spend $140/qt of magic oil

Feb 15, 2019 | 05:25 AM

#23

LuvmyLS

Driver

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 101

Likes: 20

From: PA

I put the redline in mine. It’s been 25k mikes and still perfectly smooth. Don’t sweat this decision, get some new gear oil (any decent brand will be fine imho), change twice with a few miles of driving between changes. You’ll be all set with a smooth transfer case. Crank the stereo open the sunroof and enjoy your LS!