Mazda CX-9 Rear Differential and Transfer Case Service

[@SimpleMistaken]

Does my 2008 Mazda CX-9 have a transfer case?

[@6speeddakota]

If it's an AWD then it does

[@emmamccarter4118]

Thank you! So, my regular transmission fluid is what is used in the all the gears? I have a 2008 cx9 FWD.

[@SimpleMistaken]

@@6speeddakotathanks I have a fwd so the only thing I need to do is just change the fluid in my transmission

[@joe1071]

2010 Mazda cx-9 AWD owner here. I highly recommend changing transfer case fluid every 30k. Mine had not been changed, and during a road trip I noticed smoke coming from under the car. Turned out, the transfer case took a shit and started leaking fluid onto the exhaust, creating smoke. Cost = 2k at Mazda dealer to replace. They had an extended warranty on them, and in the document from Mazda it basically says they engineered the transfer case location wrong, so it gets too hot and degrades the fluid, causing it to fail. I was 5k miles past the extended warranty, and Mazda corporate and dealer both gave me the middle finger and wouldn't help me out at all. Really sucks, especially when they admit it's their own engineering mistake.

[@6speeddakota]

Agreed, Ford (drivetrain manufacturer) had always considered the fluid to be filled for life, but now they are recommending a 30K mile service to draw out as much fluid as possible and refill it with fresh synthetic gear oil.

[@quesreal2552]

Hi there, maybe you can help, have 2013 mazda cx9, need to separate rear diff coupling from the rest of the differential. Drive shaft is out of the way and I think all necessary bolts are removed. Coupling won't budge, tried light hammer tapping, screwdriver, thin chisel to get a gap going, nope. There is 1 large nut and washer at the round plate end of the coupler where the drive shaft would connect. Does that nut need to come off? Thank you

[@6speeddakota]

I don't think the yoke needs to come off, I believe the front section is the awd coupling and it should just slide on judging by some of the videos I saw.

[@quesreal2552]

​@@6speeddakota thanks for getting back to me, your info is good, will keep trying

[@danielrosario4997]

I wonder you can help me out located the transmition speed sensor vss on a cx9 mazda 2011 need replaces it havent found located it pleses help me out

[@6speeddakota]

I believe it's on the driver's side of the transmission, near where the driver's side cv axle comes out. I'm not 100% sure, but the transmission is an AISIN F21

[@emmamccarter4118]

If I have a FWD do I have a transfer case, or are the gears lubricated with the transmission oil? I have a 2008 Mazda cx9 with FWD. No AWD.

[@6speeddakota]

Automatic transmission fluid in the transmission. Make sure you get the correct stuff for it. There is no rear differential or transfer case in a FWD application, so you don't need to worry about that at all.

[@emmamccarter4118]

Okay! Yay! I'll get the right transmission fluid. Never hear about a transfer case before! I was like oh no! Perfect. One less thing! @@6speeddakota

[@huddarudda2244]

like your videos, easy to follow thanks. you start with a shot of the bolts and transfer case, what is the car sitting on? Jack? Ramps? Hoist? or is it on the ground? in which case it must be hard to get under? I presume you just jacked it up ben then i was concerned that the right amount of 'fall' on the diff would prevent a decent old oil release? Sorry I'm new to this and wanting to buy stuff to get set up to start doing it, thanks

[@6speeddakota]

I believe I used ramps on the front wheels and lifted the back up and put it on jack stands. I have 4 jackstands, but 2 of them are really tall 6 ton stands for lifting trucks, and the smaller ones won't go high enough to keep the car level. As long as it's pretty much level, you should be ok, it doesn't have to be super precisely level.

[@dmomid4405]

Hi, it is really helpful but you didn’t mention what size the filler plug of transfer case is. Do we use hex or Allen key? Thanks

[@6speeddakota]

It's a 3/8" square drive. No bit at all, just the square end of a ratchet or breaker bar

[@rdillard67]

2008 Ford EdgeAWD here, 140kMiles, original PTU with GearOil changes made easy as follows: * Drilled+Tapped PTU bottom between ExhaustPipe & EngineMt, installed Fumoto DrainValve. * Replaced 1/2"*14 FillPlug on PTU side with 1/2"*14 to 3/8"HoseBarb90 pointed upward. * Removed PTU TopVentCap+Rubber1Way wIth 5/8"Socket+ScrewPick, reveals 3/8"HoseBarb. * Installed two 3/8"OilHoses from PTU HoseBarbs to FireWall between BattTray+FuseBox. * Installed FiberGlassInsulationWrap around ExhaustPipe under ear PTU. * Installed OilCatchCan with FIlteredVent on FireWall between BattTray+FuseBox. * Refilled PTU 1/2qt=16oz of 75w140 HiTemp AmsOil thru above new OilCatchCan+Hoses. * Routinely Drain+Refill PTU at 5kMile\6Mth interval, along with EngineOil+Filter changes.

[@6speeddakota]

I saw that on Ford tech makuloko’s youtube channel. I don’t trust myself drilling into the housing.

[@rdillard67]

@@6speeddakota Not too difficult. Do need sharp HiSpeedMetal DrillBits & a good Tap+DieSet (not chinese junkj) , then work slowly+carefully. First practice on a scrap piece of Aluminum\Steel to make sure your using the correct size DrillBit & Tap for your PTU BottomDrain Plug\Valve.

[@SzechuanChickenDog]

I know this is old...but there are only a few vids on KZbin for the cx models. Mine is a 2021 cx5. With 60k. The ptu isnt made by ford any longer from what i gather. Is it still worth changing the fluid? Didnt know if mazda made improvements. Thanks! Great video

[@6speeddakota]

150% it's worth changing. typically every 30K miles or 50K km. Regardless of mechanical improvements, the oil still lives in a very harsh environment. Lots of heat and mechanical stress causes the oil to break down, requiring maintenance every so often. That's the best way to keep it running good and happy for long time.

[@jimmylamfulful]

Q: What type of Differential is in the mazda cx9? i own a 2011 Mazda CX9 GT AWD and i've been trying to figure out what type of Differential my mazda has. Thank you.

[@6speeddakota]

I think it's just a standard open differential, I'm not entirely certain.

[@gigetenterprise7516]

Hi where are you located? I have the same year make and model. Currently my trans shift hard whenever I shift 2 drive. It dosen't do it everyday but it more often now than when it actually started. I'm at 109000 miles and counting. Since no dipstick I'm thinking fluid needs changing, maybe filter 2. What do you think?

[@danielarroyo121076]

Gidget Peyton yea is the safety gear lock when you shift and I broke mine one day it would not move so I took it apart and broke it

[@danielarroyo121076]

Thank you

[@robertwargala2812]

Awesome video.. how much for me to take my CX9 over for you to swap out the transfer case fluid for me? Also have a red 2012 and its making a mysterious groaning noise relative to speed not engine revs. Suspect the transfer case might be on the outs and hoping to salvage it enough to trade in. And after seeing the video I don't really want to try that myself.

[@dukeelliott7108]

My cx9 gas a roaring noise and it's the rear hub bearings

[@huddarudda2244]

do you have one on charing the oil.. i guess thats the easy one

[@6speeddakota]

I don't have one on changing the oil unfortunately. They already had that done before bringing it to me

[@maolo76]

does fwd have a rear Diff?

[@6speeddakota]

No, only awd

[@maolo76]

@@6speeddakota i think i got jiffed by the stealership then..i took my car for a maintenance package that did work on bunch of system sparks, brakes, oil, coolant. One of the item was changing transfer case fluid. It was years ago. I'm going to look it up my billing to see if i can get refund. Damm thief.

[@mgerard1224]

Can you give me an idea of how much time it takes to change a Mazda CX 9 Transfer case?

[@6speeddakota]

The fluid? or the actual transfer case?

[@mgerard1224]

Actual case...

[@6speeddakota]

My guess at shop time is 4-5 hrs at a minimum

[@mgerard1224]

Thanks Im trying to get reimbursed by mazda for a faulty transfer case I had to pay to get replaced, but turns out was under recall. They only want to reimburse me for 2 hours of labor. But I didn’t think it could be replaced that quickly. I think they want to minimize how much they have to pay out for recall costs buy shorting me. So thanks for the info. I’m going f to try to appeal the decision.

[@6speeddakota]

They should reimburse you the shop cost. But it may be a harder fight as it sounds like you had it done at a private shop, rather than the dealer. If you show them the bill, they should reimburse you for the total bill amount

[@severitovasquez3850]

Gracias por tan importante información.

[@siennagrinwald-alves237]

Hey 6speeddakota, the transfer case must have been a challenge to video with the lack of real estate. How hard was it getting that plug back in or should I say how long did it take you?

[@6speeddakota]

From threading it back in to giving it the final tighten, close to 10 minutes, wonderful ford design with no room to get your hands in anywhere

[@jcserrano97]

Where's the link to the transmission service?

[@JoelMcMinn]

Found it on his channel. Transmission and Steering pump oil change kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHLFYWOpm9KWqMk

[@msk3905]

Mazda recommend 80W90 gear oil for the differntial and I see that you are recommending 75W90 syn gear oil, why not 80W90 syn gear oil?

[@6speeddakota]

Generally 75w90 is synthetic and 80w90 is conventional. It won’t hurt anything going with 75w90

[@msk3905]

@@6speeddakota that's great what about using 80W90 syn?

[@6speeddakota]

If you can find it, I'm sure it'll be ok. At 80W90 you're probably looking at a synthetic blend

[@mgerard1224]

Thanks for the info. I'll let you know what they say.

[@johnr7499]

Great Video!!! Was that a 2007 with 3.5L?

[@6speeddakota]

2012 with a 3.7L

[@johnr7499]

Ok, yes 2007 has a 3.5 L and the transmission does have a transmission dip stick and that will make it a lot easier to fill.

[@danielarroyo121076]

That’s why but they have a transmission dip stick and motor one

[@Sazonman]

Thank you for informing that the Mazda 9 cx is a ford vehicle and not an actual Japanese vehicle, I was just about to purchase a 2010 Mazda 9 CX and now I'm not being that it's a Ford vehicle....Fuck ford I wouldn't touch it not even with a 9 ft stick.

[@danielarroyo121076]

But not transfer case one they are great cars but they should make recall on the transfer case

[@DJR5280]

Roomates 2010 Cx9 GT just went kaput. It slams into gear when stopping and accelerating and sounds like metal clanging around underneath. I'm sure the T case is done and probably took the tranny with it. Not a very reliable vehicle and of course it has the 3.7l from Ford which has a timing chain driven water pump. Those are fun to change.

[@6speeddakota]

Your best bet is probably the transfer case, the transmission and the transfer case don't share anything except the drive shaft, so unless the input into the transfer case is stripped on the transmission side, it'll probably be ok

[@DJR5280]

6speeddakota I live in Denver and I told him to take it to the local Mazda dealer. Last time he took they replaced the control arms under a recall because they would rust but cars here don't rust so I have no idea why they replaced them and in the recall the rust belt states were only included and not CO. My point is I heard the transfer case has an extended warranty so maybe they will just replace it like the control arms. I still question the reliability of these. His engine burned all it's oil and sounded like a motorcycle which is why it went to Mazda the first time and even they were baffled. No reason as to why it burned 5 quarts of oil. weird.

[@6speeddakota]

5qts is a lot of oil to burn through. There may have been either an issue in the manufacturing, improper break in, or plain lack of maintenance that caused it to go belly up. My in laws Buick has 150,000 miles on it, and it goes through a quart every month or so, but for a 2010 seems like there's something deeper that's got an issue. For me, I definitely don't like the ford powertrain as it's not exactly user friendly nor inexpensive to fix.

[@DJR5280]

6speeddakota Yeah he didn't change the oil for 2 years. Didn't drive it much either but still should've changed it.

[@6speeddakota]

2 years will definitely do it. Short trip driving causes oil dilution from fuel, which results in the oil getting blown past the rings.

[@darcyj114]

Why do Americans say half a quarter? 😂In a country so insistent on using fractions in their measurement system why do they still not use the correct terms? It’s 1/8th