Ford All Wheel Drive Vehicles: Critical PTU Fluid Exchange Procedure

In this video we show you how to maintain your PTU fluid in your Ford AWD vehicle.
These are the Tools and Parts I Recommend:
PTU Fluid-
amzn.to/2XGDHS4
Expensive Suction Device-
amzn.to/2J4fCAy
Inexpensive Suction Device-
amzn.to/2XOlPET
Fluid Fill Pump-
amzn.to/2DAdRYy
Thread Sealant-
amzn.to/2XMGEk6
2007 Early Build Edge Models Fluid Check-
drive.google.com/file/d/1mgwH...
My Company BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
Website:
www.bsgautomotive.com
Facebook:
/ bsgautomotive
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
Twitter: / fordtechmak
Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
My company KZbin Channel- BSG Automotive providing repair advice on makes and models other than Ford: / bsgautomotive1
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

These are the Tools and Parts I Recommend: PTU Fluid- amzn.to/2XGDHS4 Expensive Suction Device- amzn.to/2J4fCAy Inexpensive Suction Device- amzn.to/2XOlPET Fluid Fill Pump- amzn.to/2DAdRYy Thread Sealant- amzn.to/2XMGEk6 2007 Early Build Edge Models Fluid Check- drive.google.com/file/d/1mgwHNqtVzSCZ-8_TPnt4mc0gXEO9qrYv/view?usp=sharing

[@Famekom]

How much is that job?

[@oggarage3459]

I love your videos sir, one question am fixing to replace rear axle fluid on a 96 town car , what fluid do you recommend for these older model cars I don't wanna put the wrong fluid in its got 410k miles and I don't think it's ever been replace before. Thanks

[@383ricky]

I've got a question. On 2007 sport track 4x4, is it a MUST that caliper and hub assembly be removed to replace lower ball joints ? Looks like upper arm can be detached then the lower control arm. 4x4 CV Shaft looks like its not necessary to be loose or detach.

[@mariobombin219]

I have a question for you and it probably doesn't relate to this topic but it has to do with the 06 f150 5.4 I have changed cam phasers timing oil pump timing chain and check compression and it still seems to want to misfire when I throw it and drive idles fine soon as I throw it and drive it starts running like crap could it be the computer

[@markk3652]

@@oggarage3459 the 75/140 synthetic rear differential fluid he shows in this video will work great in the towncar, it has the 8.8 differential, those are very good gearcases, just do a thorough cleanup of the gasket surfaces to avoid leaks. Permatex has a tube specifically designed for gear oil, I use that in conjunction with a new gasket. The fill hole is a bit of a challenge if you have the true dual exhaust, but that pump arrangement he used in this ptu video makes it easier. Harbor freight carries them as well as menards, and for the 4 dollars or so, it's well worth it.

[@toby2581]

Surrounded on all sides by heat, no drain plug, and hard to get at. Truly genius engineering there, Ford.

[@anwarlucas]

After doing a ton of research and watching many videos, tonight I finally did the ptu fluid exchange.. I have 143k on my 2014 explorer limited AWD.. the fluid came out pitch black with the "glitter effect" of normal wear, no metal chunks or pieces.. The fluid was liquid and not thick at all, the magnetic drain plug had a small layer of goopy glittery fluid.. I used the top Sider oil changer and sucked out a little over 1/2 a quart in less than a minute.. I used royal purple 75w-140.. test drove it for 20ish miles and shifting/acceleration is smoother than before.. took me about 1 hour to complete everything on the ground.. thanks to everyone and their expertise!

[@truthtimetv4575]

Now do it again and replace that royal purple with Mobil 1. I’ve seen more blown up with smart asses using royal purple come in than stock, seriously.

[@rhurtadorh32]

Your ford exploree runs with the front wheels. Just because it says 4wd means you are on all wheel drive.

[@saleens330]

I’ve used RP gear oil for 20 years on multiple fords (even on my 2 Lightning’s , Raptor, and a Terminator) and even chevys. NEVER had anything blown up or know anyone that used it and blown up. And I’m also talking 1/4 track use too.

[@davidrehaluk8620]

Only problem is the dealer dosnt reccoment changing it wife’s car been in the dealer since new 200,000 km they never asked to change it till it was leaking Haha fu knbraindesd

[@Cokie907]

​@@rhurtadorh32You don't know the conditions he was driving on. Maybe he was on a gravel road going up steep hills, in which case the on demand AWD would be operating. Your reply was MEANINGLESS without knowing his driving conditions. Get it?

[@44125]

I’ll say it again, love your videos man... please keep them coming💪🏻

[@Elmo_Fuddleputt]

Dude, I don't think the phrase "God send" is an overstatement when it comes to the value of the information you're dropping on me.

[@ricardoscale1285]

I couldn't agree any more with you!!

[@gimmefuel7268]

As an owner of a 2013 Lincoln MKS AWD, thank you SO MUCH for making this video!! I knew that changing the PTU fluid was important but I had no idea about how to go about doing it. So I want to thank you again for taking the time to make this video. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@erickking1026]

I can't thank you enough for all of the knowledge you share! Its been so helpful with my '04 F150, and to top it off, my wife is looking at a used AWD Edge with 30K miles. Couldn't have been better timing with this video! Thank You! God Bless.

[@je3199]

STAY AWAY FROM THE EDGE! I hope you did. Ours is crud!

[@scottfirman]

A shop vac, a jar with two holes in the lid and and hoses will work on this job. It's easy to build your own vacuum for dirt cheap and saves you a LOT of money.

[@vickibujarski1604]

Hey

[@truthtimetv4575]

I wot m8

[@HockeyGoon939]

Actually there is a much cheaper way. I have an old hand lotion pump with a hose attached to the tube. Takes a little bit of time but I have used it for power steering fluid exchange and this job. Self priming and has no issue withe semi solids like the tar in the PTU.

[@patrickm6000]

I have a '15 escape awd with the 1.6 engine. My drain and fill plug on the PTU were Torx bits. They were INSANELY TIGHT. To the point I was getting really worried trying to take them out. I even used a plumbing torch and heated up the metal to try to help break it free. I can't stress enough to have a GOOD set of torx bits. I've done for years the route of cheap ones and finally got what I'd call acceptable ones from Harbor Freight. I got the Icon ones they sell and so far they've done me well. This video helped a ton along with the trans fluid change also. You are da man. Thanks for making the videos you do.

[@GabrielSanchez-pe1cr]

Thanks for taking the time to help us Ford owners! Your videos are number 1 please don’t stop making them

[@14hubbajo]

Just did this and the transmission fluid on my 13 explorer. Almost at 100,000 miles. Last changed them right about 70,000. Thanks for the tips!

[@johnadams2548]

Watched this video and decided to have a local shop do the lube extraction and refill, per the video, on my 2015 Ford Edge SEL 3.5L AWD. To my surprise, they found that it has a factory drain plug at the bottom of the PTU! They saved the original fluid (80K miles) to show to me, and while it was black and due for a change, it wasn't the black sludge as shown in the video. Will probably change again at 100K miles. Excellent video, THANKS!!

[@duggla781]

Thanks for taking the time out of your life to give a tip to those who don't know to change anything but oil, coolant, fluids, brakes, plugs, and filter.

[@1122ss]

This is great advice and common sense. Never wait 100,000 150,000 for transmission or coolant or ptu fluid changes. I did this on a 2017 escape. 35000 mi. It has a drain plug, so the job was not as complicated as this. No suction pump needed.The fluid was very dark. I replaced the fluid again after about 1000 mi. It was very clear at this point. I also replaced my transmission fluid at about 30,000mi.

[@kevinbarry71]

Love your videos, filled for life? When the component fails, well, life is over.

[@alanhassall]

The fluid lasts until the unit is dead. Never mind that it could have lasted longer if they had designed it for fluid changes.

[@Pssnmeoff]

Planned obsolescence.

[@dave2138]

Just changed the fluid in my 2018 edge. Put. Low and behold it has 1/4 in,Allen head plug in the side of the case below the fill plug! Easy to drain while also doing transmission fluid change. On line I found that ford quietly added this in 2016-2017 time frame. I feel lucky that it was all so easy

[@BrewersArcade]

Just finished my first PTU drain and fill on my 2013 Flex with 79k miles. Not comfortable but was able to do it in my driveway. Thank you so much for the excellent video and saving me from taking it to a mechanic. I also did my first transmission drain and fill thanks to you. Maybe you could do some suspension replacement videos? Control arms, inner tie rod (that’s what I need to do next) etc. THANK YOU

[@manmeetworld]

Damn they must of sucked. I just did it on a lift and it sucked.

[@tompower7576]

Thank you very much Ford Tech, Bless you for informing us DIY'ers.

[@sergiodjf]

A lot of components like that in different brands are becoming sealed units, designed to last for the “life of the vehicle”. But they don’t tell you how long is the design life. Good reasons you mentioned to change the fluid regularly. Fluid is cheap but replacing that component is not. Educating customers and showing the dollar value of maintenance like that will definitely go a long way.

[@pspaduzzi]

Thanks for your Video, instead of Motorcraft, I used Amsoil 75w140. i just bought a 2016 Ford Explorer AWD, it has 100,000 miles on it.

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

I'm going to have to do the PTU soon on our 2006 Merc Montego AWD soon. Again, the best "do-it-yourself" Ford channel on KZbin. Brian, your website looks great! I'm going to upgrade to the "pro" brake fluid evacuator, too.

[@jprice90]

How did you make out? I changed the AOC fluid 20k ago. I haven’t check the condition of the ptu or rear diff yet. I have an 06 500. Also check out his water pump video for 3.0 duratec

[@miguelgonzalez9681]

Thank the engineers for adding the PTU to the cooling system on my RS. Didn't come out looking too dark but definitely needed it.

[@alialrawi8309]

Hey , I will be crossing the border coming from canada 🇨🇦 once things are back to normal for a PTU fluid change for sure ... I love how detail oriented you are I all you videos 👍🏻👍🏻

[@brianlitz2004]

Thanks bought the cheap bleeder off Amazon. I got my compressor pressure set. Royal purple gear oil and bottle pump. I am about to change it. 2016 sho with 26k miles. This is the best video on ptu fluid change.

[@northernprepper1264]

Thank you for the video and the links to the supplies. I ordered them yesterday and all was delivered except the LUBE which I found cheaper at the local auto parts store. I'm going to attempt the swap tomorrow.

[@michaelmurray121]

Always great to watch n listen to your video Brian have a great day bro..

[@502Chevy]

Just bought a ‘19 Lincoln Nautilus with AWD so this is just in time for me! Thanks FordTechMakuloco! You’re a money saver indeed! Hopefully mine will have a drain plug; if not I have a Griots pump suction device.

[@bigbeardoingthangs]

Very timely, coinciding with my purchase of a taurus interceptor sedan. Maintenance was done at a dealership - no record of PTU fluid change.

[@mcmuskie2563]

I recently bought a 2021 F150 Lariat. Very happy with it, pleasantly surprised what a very comfortable ride it provides. This is coming from a Lincoln owner. 3.5 Turbo. Really enjoy your videos, I come out of the Collision Shops and feel I can nearly do anything with your help. Having said all that, I’m looking forward to 2021 vehicle info cause it seems they’ve changed thing’s enough that it’s needed. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@eegg6954]

Replaced the fluid on my 2016 3.5 L Explorer today. It had the fill plug but no drain. There was some seeping fluid past the seals, and the truck had 69,000 miles. The PTU appears to have been disassembled in the past as it had gray silicone gasket sealant on it. Using the smaller suction gun recommended here and working on a jack, I got about 12 oz of reasonably good fluid out of the unit. Ordered the big gun first, but it wouldn't work with my 2.5 gpm 120 lb compressor. I also removed the vent cap, working from behind the crossmember, and found the vent line to be clogged. I unplugged it with a piece of lawn trimmer line and blew it out. That was the reason for the weeping seals. Added about 13 oz of Motorcraft Synthetic oil with a hand pump and we're back in business. Two hours, working on the ground in the driveway. A great video.

[@coldnnh6983]

Ford knows exactly what was going to happen and figured the vehicle would be out of warranty when it crapped out, great job again Ford!!!

[@38911bytefree]

Backfires so bad that people dont buy any ford again.

[@tamishagraves5989]

What is name of the white sealant you used on the plug in reinstalling it after refilling with new fresh fluid ? I have 2 valvoline versions of the 75W 140 fluid for our 07 edge sel awd 3.5l by with towing package suv. I forgot to ask you in respect to the tranny hard shifting etc of P0720 issue, how much transmission fluid is required to refill system and will it need stopping off after driving vehicle so computer relearn new output shaft speed sensor OSS and TSS as well ?

[@fuzzy19111]

had one of these recently at work. Thing was screaming for death. it was a flex big bucks

[@Burrkilla]

Another great video. Keep em coming. 👍🏻

[@philthyphil3324]

Your channel is amazing, you have helped me out so much.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Thank you for this highly informative video! I did this job today on my '08 escape with the V6 engine with ~60k miles and my experience was quite different. My case plug was very conveniently located from underneath. I used a vacuum pump to suck out the olde fluid and was frankly amazed how little came out, barely 12oz. I stuck the tube inside deeply into the sump and wiggled it in all possible directions. But logic would dictate that everything that could have been removed was removed. The olde fluid was dark but didn't smell terrible. Last pointe, where my ptu case is located it does get cooled a but from the airflow underneath the vehicle. Gosh now i hope i drained and filled the correct thing😂

[@1122ss]

Thanks for making me aware of this issue. I just changed the ptu fluid on a 2017 ford escape 1.5l. Thankfully there is a drain plug and a fill plug. No suction device needed. 27,000mi. and fluid was black and thick. Don't put this off too long folks.

[@thisisfun887]

Yeah I’d say 20,000 max. I’ve had 2 go out on a 2013 edge. One at 60k and then 30k for the next one. Car is in the driveway now with a puddle under it. I’m gonna try an aftermarket one this time see how it fares.

[@aolliegee]

Oh no my 2018 has 56k. I'm doing it this week

[@jimh.412]

​@@aolliegeeHow was the oil? What did it look like?

[@billrimmer5596]

As usual, top notch!!

[@Tman0517]

It was nice in my 09 Taurus with AWD, the transmission did the front and rear drive, there was no separate ptu so changing the trans fluid was extremely easy and helpful.

[@nodak81]

If your '09 Taurus has AWD, then it most certainly has a separate PTU. How do I know? Because my '08 AWD Taurus has a PTU and because the '08 and '09 Taurus are identical.

[@miked5562]

We got our used '16 Flex Ecobeast with 36k miles - first thing I did was take it to the dealer and have them flush the PTU. The tech said it looked pretty gnarly already. Glad I found out about this before something blew up.

[@republicansareoffendedeasi821]

Don't ever trust any dealer they're in for the money not for your benefit there is a 50/50 chance that they did absolutely nothing and charged you anyways.

[@MrTurboRotary]

As always, very informative and helpful!. Thank you!👍

[@franksevier7000]

Really appreciate this and the other videos you've done on fluid changes. What would be even more awesome is if some day you could post a video on an actual PTU replacement. I'm sure you've done more of them than you can count and what you'd post would show how to do it right. Semper Fi!

[@stephendoll3949]

Thank you so much. We had to replace the PTU at 52k and again at 84k. Somehow I have made it to 238k, yes 238k, without further problems..... I happened to catch your video while I had the cradle lowered for the steering gear replacement. I notice a leak on the PTU, went to check the fluid...er....tar, and I'm following your procedure. The guys at Ford still tell me no service is required, yeah right. I think I'll use this old "fluid" to fix my roof because it's the same consistency. We'll see how much further it takes me.

[@blackscotydog]

Thanks so much for this most useful info,doin this sunday on my moms `14 escape ecobeast.

[@spicyhot1695]

Great information. So thoroughly explained. I just love your videos. I take it this procedure works on the 2007 lincoln mkx also. Thanks for sharing

[@michaelb9757]

My 2016 focus RS at 17k miles, even with the updated PTU design failed. Tech replaced the hub/bearing assembly first as it did feel and sound like bad bearings. Moved to both axles/halfshafts next, then the PTU was changed out lol. Car was still new. No oil came out and it was like black sparkly tar on the magnet. Crazy. I’m going to change its oil every 10k Miles, pretty easy on the focus, just the air shield and down pipe need to be removed. Thanks for the vid brother.

[@markaustin9544]

Great video !!! You would have to put new fliud in a few times to actually clean out all the gunk. I bought a 2007 edge awd, used with 121 thousand miles in 2012 for my wife. Thought I did a good job checking it out. After I drove an hour to get home and surprise her, LOL she walks up and said it smells like sh** , but no fliud showing/dripping. So made an appointment with a new car dealership in my area to have it replaced 3 days after purchase. Just like you said 1500-1600 hundred bucks. In those 3 days before going in I found a replacement part number that ends with a B. That part # has a drain and refill plugs already in it. I use Lucas 90-140 for 34 pumps and Lucas heavy duty stabilizer for 7 pumps, change out fliud every 2 - 3 per oil/filter changes . It now has 193 thousand trouble free miles and my wife does not want to part with it !!! I'm never been a ford guy, but this edge has been a GREAT vichele for us.

[@ToxicMisfitsYt]

I really think someone could rig up a pump and cooler on this off fill plug and tap a spot or something like that if they could keep the fluid levels consistent

[@ragedigital]

Our 2017 Ford Edge Titanium has a drain plug. So, that's good news for the newer vehicles and good news for me. At 46k, fluid was black, but still resembled oil.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

👍🏼nice tip on draining and refilling and draining to flush the old fluid out.

[@HRTBRKD0G]

This is why engineers need to repair what they make. Really informative

[@LTSRIDE24]

Just had to have mine replaced on my '14 EDGE Sport. 74K miles. Luckily covered by my extended warranty! I'll be having mine flushed every 30K after this! PTU fluid, transmission fluid, & rear diff, all changed @ 30K miles & oil @ roughly 7K.

[@jeff7461]

Think this is crazy..? The Ford dealers around me said it is impossible to change the differential fluid on my 2016 Escape. 😂 I talked one into trying harder and to their surprise, it worked!

[@georgeburns7251]

Another great video, thank you.

[@willie9397]

its called preventative maintenance, great video

[@keithbartlett6708]

Thank you for the tips and knowledgeable

[@adrew1963]

thanks good video and always informative

[@bozobutte920]

Just bought an EcoSport thanks for the info.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice video thanks Brian!

[@cowboyf1699]

Thanks for the video (I didn't know this was something that needed to be done). I just did this on my 09 Edge because I know it had never been done by the previous owner since I've found a lot of things that "needed attention". With that said, I could only get out about 6 oz. out, I'm guessing it burnt off and fumes exited the vent tube. But was able to put back about 12-16 oz, hard to tell exactly how much since new oil came pouring out when I put too much in...lol. I will change again with the next oil change and see how it looks.

[@mviking39]

Thank you, bought the tools did the job.

[@operationbs7610]

Is there anything you cant do 😂. Youre my #1 mechanic

[@MarkK01]

I just bought my second Ford Escape. My first one was a 2009 ford escape limited. The fluid was never changed on that PTU until I bought it with 125000.00 km on it. As soon as I bought the vehicle I changed the fluid in the PTU, but it was to late. Right after I changed the fluid it self destructed. I never did fix it, I just drove it the way it was. Now I just bought a 2016 Ford Escape Titanium 2.0 ecoboost. And of course the PTU fluid had not been changed yet at 120000.00 KM. So right away I had my Ford Dealer change out that fluid. I got it with a extended warranty so if the PTU self destructs on this one at least I made the attempt to look after it and my extended warranty will have no choice but to change it out with a new one.

[@MrLamchp]

Thanks a lot. I just did this yesterday!

[@yqwgjsg]

Another great video

[@kimmorrison9169]

Nice video. Good camera work! WTF-no drain plug! Great engineering. Only the maintenance freaks like me notice this stuff the others pay big later!

[@MartianManHunter_]

Tackling this in the morning 😅

[@fixityfix]

Thanks for the excellent video!

[@MustangNthusiest]

My 2011 Lincoln MKS AWD case blew apart, 42k miles, glad I had extended warranty. Boy did it stink. When it went you could smell it inside the car.

[@toroscosmicos9889]

My mechanic changed the fluid in my 09 Mkx for $55. Second time I've had it done. Bought it with 55K had it done at around 85k and again at 95K. Will have it done again at 107K.

[@robertmayo4369]

This video undoubtedly save me and my PTU. I had been hearing a whining sound at high speeds and I assumed it was one on the rear wheel bearings, only because my wife had hit a curb and blew the tire and scuffed the wheel months before. Using a suction gun,. I removed the old fluid and the whole time I was sucking some air but I managed to remove about 5 ounces of black tar-like fluid. I pumped it into a clear jug with the thought of letting it settle so I could measure what came out. The stuff remained stuck to the sides of the jug for over 2 weeks. It was more like grease than oil. I did not wait but put in about 16 ounces of the recommended Motorcraft fluid. The noise is gone. There are no signs of a leak on my 2007 MKZ with 65K miles. Thanks Again!

[@williegillie5712]

Sadly my sons car had a bearing go bad and had to pay the 1,500.00 to get his replaced. I plan to send him this link. Thanks for the video

[@matthewriordan-solidaxlesa5810]

My 2016 Lincoln MKC has a drain plug it’s awesome

[@bobspittle3201]

Drilled and tapped my 13 Lincoln MKX. Pretty easy. And alot more peace of mind.

[@Dracale]

Much appreciated on the video's. I currently have a 14 Explorer FWD but have been looking at getting a AWD Eco boost. These like this are good to know. I've always disliked "Filled for life" fluid from OEM's x.x

[@floydt2029]

Thank-you for you r well detailed video!

[@donnareed3822]

Thank you for this video. I would never even thought about this fluid. I changed it this weekend. I already dropped the oil drain pan to put in a new gasket. Both were fairly clean I was surprised as the engine gas 165 k on it. What was the sealant you put on the plug please

[@notsoserious0944]

2010 Flex, I had to replace the PTU at about 60,000 miles. Black goo was puking out of the vent. The independent shop said they were not going to mess with trying to clean it out. Surprisingly, the dealer had PTUs on hand and in stock. Things that make you go hmmm....

[@rays7437]

We replaced a fair number of them under warranty due to case porosity. I think there was a TSB but I don't remember for sure

[@axelbart7470]

Great information 👍👍

[@workinwithme]

Man! You made that look easy! I think my 2013 Ford Edge (143K miles) PTU leak is from the belching out the top which I can't see. No leak showing against the transmission side and the axle only has oil half way around which I would think if the seal was bad, it would rotate the oil all the way around as the axle turned. I have bought the lube, pump and sealant. I'm putting my car on ramps because I'm just a harry home owner type. I'm hoping I can do this and if so, I'll make it a norm when I change my regular oil. Thank you so much for the video and advice.

[@Mike-Capz83]

i have a 2015 ford escape 2.0 with 122k miles on it and i still havent changed the ptu fluid yet lol hopefully i can do it this weekend

[@mikek2416]

My 2017 MKC has a drain plug on the bottom side of the PTU. I had ordered the brake bleeder already but I'm sure I will find a use for it and the price was right! Found both plugs are torx and are TIGHT! I will need to get the vehicle on ramps to break the fill plug loose with a breaker bar. Access is better than your video but there is still a pipe right in the way. Just did the trans fluid change and found your other video very helpful for that also. It seems Ford changed things throughout the years because I did find some differences from your videos as that trans level plug was torx also and behind the axle. Great video shows how to get it done although I work slow :-)

[@DerekGHikes]

Oh man, I have a 2012 ford escape I wish I found your channel sooner... I'm at 100k and just about to do all the fluids as ford recommends...

[@jimh.412]

How did the ptu fluid look at that many miles?

[@289cobra9]

I had my 2011 Escape w/ 70,000 miles (bought 12/19) fluid change. Had to take it to a shop but I watched them. In & out about 15 minutes. Wouldn't have known about this if it wasn't for you. Thanks!

[@TeddyNovak1]

Thank you very much for the clear and thorough directions on this procedure. I didn't even know this was an issue until this video popped up. Thanks to your instructions and links, I was able to drain and fill the PTUs in our 2012 Escape with 105K miles and our 2010 Flex with 122K miles. The Escape's fluid was surprisingly good - not quite clear but not bad. However, the fluid in the Flex was sludge. It was tough to tell, but I believe I put more fluid back in both than was removed (neither one dripped when I opened the plug and I filled them both up to the rim and then some). The seemed to take about 16 ounces each. If we lived anywhere near you, we'd definitely take our cars to you for work that I can't do. Thanks again.

[@wattsobx]

im looking at high mileage flex's after you changed were you able to save your PTU how many more miles were you able to put on it? Thanks!

[@TeddyNovak1]

@@wattsobx I''m not exactly sure, but my wife is still driving it. Since I changed it, she's put maybe another 15K or so on it. Still running fine.

[@brianhoward438]

I called 3 ford dealers close to me they all said it is non serviceable and you wait till it breaks.I had to bite my tongue I was gonna ask if they actually knew how to work on cars.I was going to call ford customer service and tell them what their dealers are telling people but that would have been a complete waste of time.still need to get it done.36,200 miles but thankfully,I have a ford premium extended warranty which I’m sure I will be using.

[@JMc-wu2we]

No drain plug on gear box that need periodic fluid changes, Took a whole weekend to change the alternator on an Escape and just found out the waterpump on the Explorer I bought is inside the f#%king engine. I will know it needs replacement after it dumps all the coolant into the oil pan. Thanks Ford.

[@chucknoob7041]

J Mc - The Escape alternator location absolutely sucks balls. The engineer who designed that needs a good beat down.

[@JMc-wu2we]

@@chucknoob7041 Yes sir, a beat down with an alternator.

[@teehud313]

Yup. Waterpump went on my 11 Lincoln mks EcoBoost 60k miles on it. No signs, just shut off. Long Story short, they had to replace the engine.

[@abetts1971s1]

@@teehud313 great! I have a 14 MKS EcoBoost with 54,000 miles. It just started leaking oil out of the rear turbo onto the exhaust manifold which needs fixed. Now I have to worry about the water pump and the p t u failing. I had to replace the AC condenser last summer for $1,100. Probably the last Ford I'm going to buy unless the Mach E is really cool

[@harleyjackson5513]

The Mach-E is awesome!!

[@wrenchesandrants9321]

Another awesome video. Any insight on rear diff fluid service for Ford Escape(2016)???

[@andrewvanhoose353]

I did mine today 2017 limited explorer 3.5. 80k Just fill plug exactly like video. Fill plug did look tary like one in video but oil was not pitch black. I found a small hand transfer pump from harbor freight for 7 dollars I took a cap off a old quart of oil and cut a small hole in the top of it to put tube down in to siphon into. 12 Oz collected plus whatever was gathered in hoses that couldn't come out. The pump came with like a 1/4 in smaller hose that i could reduce with, easier to get it into ptu. Finally I used the cut cap I used on new court of 75-140 to push clean hose down in, to siphon back up. Did take a bit more than I had drained.

[@american0002]

Mine started puking out oil from the vent so I drilled a hole in the bottom and tapped it for an NPT plug. After running it 1000 miles and then changing the fluid again it cleaned it out fairly well and it has been fine. Now I just maintain it. I do have to use RTV on the threads of the pipe plug to seal it though. It is still working fine 28k miles later and it almost time to change it again.

[@jeepbewithyou]

Thank you for all of your videos bud! As an update for this video … I have 2013 ford Explorer with a leaking PTU - I went to the ford dealer for a quote today (2/21/23) … the quote was $3950 to replace it!!! So I’m going out to the garage to add extra oil to it for now until I figure out my next move 😢

[@jimh.412]

I seen Dorman makes a ptu unit with a drain plug in the bottom of it for under $1000. Mukalacco said it's about 5-6 hr job so if you can find a good mechanic it should cost you about $1500 unless I'm missing something. Good luck.

[@sherwinamat3901]

Thank you FTM your video's now i can maintaine my ford explorer and f150 without the expensive 💸💸💸

[@daveschannel124]

Good video! I perform alot of P.M. on many vehicles in my shop! I use a 6 qt. fluid evacuator that works well for removing oil based fluids! I also have the brake fluid extractor you are using there but I only use that for brake fluid! I once lent it out a few years ago to a friend who was only supposed to use it on brake fluid and when I got it back he damaged it by sucking up p.s. fluid/atf that I found inside it swelling all the seals! Bought a new one and billed him for it! My question is; has your new brake fluid evacuator have updated designed seals that can handle oil based fluids?

[@rallyguy132321]

I went to a local dealer 2 weeks ago to get some oil for the PTU. None in stock. Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful in doing repairs myself, and I watch many videos just for knowledge to know what's going on and stay away from for future vehicle purchases. Do you have any videos on Super Duty trucks? I'm curious how the 7.3 is holding up. Thank you!!!

[@mark902]

I'm driving a 2011 edge with a shot ptu. It started out as a ringing, then turned into a grunty rumble on takeoff, then it started to sound like I was grinding coffee, then it sounded like I had just gotten married, then... Well then it started to make things very chunky at low speed. I assume I was just grinding the gears or something cus it was pinging and the ride was jerky af. Now it's settled into a state of obvious front wheel driveness because I'm squeeling tires like a damn fool and I can feel that torque steer. It's got 290,000 km. I'm just gonna drive it as a jalopy. A front wheel drive jalopy.

[@1marcelfilms]

Black oil full of metallic particles is great wood preservative.

[@Thundarr995]

Ford has been putting the catalytic converter too close to transmissions and other heat sensitive components for a long time. I have a 93 Explorer and it has 2 catalytic converters right next to the automatic transmission. The transmission started acting kinda weird,so I took it to my buddy's transmission shop. It's old,but it's in excellent shape. I just had him rebuild it. Everything inside the transmission was in good condition except the seals were all damaged on the right side of the transmission. The damage was due to excessive heat from being too close to the catalytic converters. The seals were hard and didn't seal very well internally anymore. I put new catalytic converters on it too. It's only got 120k on it and I don't want a car payment,I have another vehicle. I like the explorer it's a pretty solid rig. I take it camping and my dog loves riding in the back with the seat folded down. It's great in the snow too. I always make it to work. I've given some of my coworkers on my shift a ride when they can't get out of their driveway. Thing gets kinda crummy mpg though,13 city 19 freeway. The gas gauge has been broken for years so I use the tripometer. I know exactly what the mpg is. It gets 15/21 mpg with non ethanol gas. I'd use that except for the only station that sells it is 20 miles away from me.

[@jayhawker03]

I finished this for the first time, my fluid didn't look bad but I am worried that I did not fill it enough. There was a tiny stream of fluid coming out on level ground so I figured that it is full but I hardly used half a bottle. (2010 Ford Escape 4WD) I did notice though that my PTU was much smaller then the one shown in the video so maybe that''s all it needed.

[@larrymartin8146]

GREAT video!!! Getting ready to do this job for the plant managers personal car and then my wife’s. Kinda shocked on the weight but I haven’t researched any info yet so thank you.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Easy done. I just used a hand pump for brake jobs, and extended the breather tube by the throttle body as the filler, save the breather tap to plug it. badabing badaboom.

[@pi1797]

Excellent videos. I know you recommend what Ford recommends for fluid change in the PTU. If for some reason you can’t get that particular Ford 75W-140 rear axle fluid. What other rear axle fluid I would you suggest? Just picking your brain on what other brands..

[@mikestyles499]

If you’re watching this video, and you have this PTU in your vehicle, you best listen to this guy, he’s trying to save you thousands of $$$$.