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2016-2021 Lexus RX350 Transfer Case Fluid Replacement Instructions
Hi there, I am a Lexus Master Tech and I am working on a series of maintenance and repair videos that will cover the latest generation RX350.
Here is my video on how to replace the transfer case fluid.
Please hit me up with any ideas/suggestions on what other stuff you would like to see in the future in the video comments.
Thanks!
another great video. BTW I really appreciate the single sheet of paper listing tools, and more specifically the part #s needed for each job. The printout makes prep very easy!
another great video. BTW I really appreciate the single sheet of paper listing tools, and more specifically the part #s needed for each job. The printout makes prep very easy!
How often do we need to change the transfer case fluid?
Manual lists inspections regularly but to change at 15,000 miles if you tow or haul heavy loads. Rear Diff and transfer case are easy to do so I will inspect but probably change at 30k. Transmission is lifetime but I will do mine at 60k. Maintenance manual has all of the mileages and/or times but DO NOT go by dealer service schedule which is often different (more often).
Manual lists inspections regularly but to change at 15,000 miles if you tow or haul heavy loads. Rear Diff and transfer case are easy to do so I will inspect but probably change at 30k. Transmission is lifetime but I will do mine at 60k. Maintenance manual has all of the mileages and/or times but DO NOT go by dealer service schedule which is often different (more often).
Wait im lost your telling me that you have the
1. Oil change
2. Rear Diff oil change
3. transfer case oil change
4.transmission oil change
Only slightly more difficult than the rear differential fluid change and only because it is a bit more cramped around the transfer case when compared to the rear diff. It's wide open around the diff.
I was able to do this on the ground without raising the vehicle... I wouldn't recommend trying this unless you're skinny.
Removed the fill plug then the drain plug, both using a 24mm socket, and let the fluid drain.
The drain plug is magnetic and had the expected metallic sludge adhered to it. I just changed the rear diff fluid yesterday and I'd say the transfer case had 30% less metallic sludge than the diff.
The fluid itself looked pretty good (as did the diff fluid yesterday)... same golden light brown color, regular old stinky gear oil smell.
Cleaned up and slapped the drain plug back in with a new crush washer, torqued to 36lbft.
Filled her back up with Ravenol Synthetic Gear Oil 75w85, GL-5. Took 780mL (~0.82 US QT) and let a few mL dribble out til no more dribbling.
Ravenol makes it easy to fill with their super advanced bottle. A little hose pops out of the bottle when you open it, and you just squeeze the bottle to fill. I added a bit of clear vinyl tubing to make it easier to insert in the fill hole.
Wiped the transfer case off and slapped the fill plug back in with a new crush washer, torqued to 36lbft.
Only slightly more difficult than the rear differential fluid change and only because it is a bit more cramped around the transfer case when compared to the rear diff. It's wide open around the diff.
I was able to do this on the ground without raising the vehicle... I wouldn't recommend trying this unless you're skinny.
Ha ha, wanting to try this too with the rear diff, but I am not on the skinny side. Will see how it goes. Thanks for the pics!
Ha ha, wanting to try this too with the rear diff, but I am not on the skinny side. Will see how it goes. Thanks for the pics!
If you decide to raise the vehicle make sure to keep it level so that you get an accurate fill volume. The factory service manual says to keep it within +/- 1.0% of true level when performing this service ( the rear diff fluid change too).
The factory pinch weld jack points are level, so 4 matching jackstands at the same rung will do the trick.
If I'm reading my 2016 owners manual correctly, any quality GL5 75W-85 gear oil should work just fine to drain and fill both front and rear transfer cases...Mobile 1,Valvoline, Redline. I don't know how easy or difficult it is to buy Toyota LT 75w-85 GL5 gear oil from the two local Toyota dealers is nor how expensive. Any recommendations? I see Ravenol is acceptable but I'd have to order that via Amazon and it's $26/qt.
Redline 75w-85 works, I've changed it with that before. Also, a lot of Toyota and Lexus owners who can't find 75w-85 easily, use Mobil 1 75w-90. The 75w-85 use is more for meeting CAFE fuel efficiency standards.
Redline 75w-85 works, I've changed it with that before. Also, a lot of Toyota and Lexus owners who can't find 75w-85 easily, use Mobil 1 75w-90. The 75w-85 use is more for meeting CAFE fuel efficiency standards.
I found the Toyota 75w-85 LT GL5 on eBay...from an authorized Toyota Lexus dealer for $35 per liter. I bought it.
Now I know the Mobile 1 stuff is probably $14/qt. But my mechanic will be way more agreeable to changing both transfer case and rear differential knowing it's the OEM specified fluid.
So it ends up costing me $45 more...for a service I only need every 60k miles, that's peanuts.
If I'm reading my 2016 owners manual correctly, any quality GL5 75W-85 gear oil should work just fine to drain and fill both front and rear transfer cases...Mobile 1,Valvoline, Redline. I don't know how easy or difficult it is to buy Toyota LT 75w-85 GL5 gear oil from the two local Toyota dealers is nor how expensive. Any recommendations? I see Ravenol is acceptable but I'd have to order that via Amazon and it's $26/qt.
My local Toyota place had the OEM Toyota gear oil but they were charging a small fortune for it. I think that it was around $45/can. I found it cheaper online I think.
2016-2021 Lexus RX350 Transfer Case Fluid Replacement Instructions
