Mazda CX9 Power Transfer Unit Maintenance: Preventing Expensive AWD Failures!

In this video we go over how to properly maintain the PTU fluid in your Mazda CX9.
These are the Tools and Parts I Recommend:
PTU Fluid-
amzn.to/2pJOdJO
Thread Sealant-
amzn.to/2GflfIf
Vacuum Bleeder (Professional)-
amzn.to/2Gscu0z
Vacuum Bleeder (Basic)-
amzn.to/2G9JnzU
Fluid Pump-
amzn.to/2GbWuk0
Fill Plug Torque Spec: 15ft lbs
BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
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Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “BSG Automotive”) 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. BSG Automotive 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 BSG Automotive and therefore, BSG Automotive 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 BSG Automotive or anyone affiliated with BSG Automotive, 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.

[@BSGAutomotive]

These are the Tools and Parts I Recommend: PTU Fluid- amzn.to/2pJOdJO Thread Sealant- amzn.to/2GflfIf Vacuum Bleeder (Professional)- amzn.to/2Gscu0z Vacuum Bleeder (Basic)- amzn.to/2G9JnzU Fluid Pump- amzn.to/2GbWuk0 Fill Plug Torque Spec: 15ft lbs

[@ysidroavila6454]

any shops or folks you could recommend in the northern california area for PTU repair or replacements? I could do it myself, just need to figure where to order a ptu from?

[@huddarudda2244]

Thanks. Great stuff

[@badboy3211000]

Hi. I'm hearing a humming noise from the PTU of my 2007 CX9. It gets louder as I accelerate beyond 30mph. I checked the oil and it was black like the one in this video. Does this mean I need to change the entire unit or just the oil?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Call it a pet peeve of mine but when manufacturers eliminate drain plugs it sorta pisses me off.

[@michaelb9757]

Ozzstar just replaced mine on my 2016 focus RS, only 17k miles lol. Needed a new PTU, and my PTU has a drain plug and is water cooled. The drain plug had black like Metallic tar and the shaft needed two hands to turn. Crazy, but all under warranty. I’m going to change out the fluid every 10 or 20k miles depending on how I’m driving. Wish I could share pics here lol.

[@benjaminbaker2733]

Great video! Stumbled upon it about a year too late! Just had my 2010 CX-9 PTU replaced for the third time. I bought the vehicle brand new in 2010 and had PTU replaced at 47K, 79K, and most recently at 115K. Luckily first two were under warranty, but charged for the latest. I fought hard with dealership and Mazda USA since this is a known issue and got them to cover a majority of the replacement cost. Was told each time by Mazda that this is a “sealed unit” and cannot perform any kind of preventative maintenance. Hopefully this video has saved me from a future fourth PTU replacement!

[@msk3905]

Did the unit make any noise or give any indication before failure?

[@msk3905]

@Z D dealership is always going to push most expensive fix & complete component fix. Unfortunately, with gear boxes when they do what you are describing most often they are gone. I would find a good respectable repair shop to diagnose for a second opinion if I were you.

[@rdillard67]

2008 Ford EdgeAWD here, 140kMiles, original PTU with Oil changes made easy as follows: * Drill+Tap PTU bottom between ExhaustPipe & TranMt, installed Fumoto10mmDrainValve. * 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 FireWallTopLip between BattTray+FuseBox. * Refilled PTU 1/2qt=16oz 75w140 HiTemp AmsOil thru above new OilCatchCan+Hoses. * Routinely Drain+Refill PTU at 5kMile\6Mth intervals, along with EngineOil+Filter changes.

[@williammcginnis7428]

Did you make a video for us to learn and copy?

[@rdillard67]

@@williammcginnis7428 Sorry, KZbin won't allow links to my pics.

[@norontboyz5949]

We just purchased an 08 cx9 a few months back for 3000. Nice vehicle with 114k miles. I decided id check this ptu fluid after reading all the horror stories online. I got maybe 3 drops and a very tiny puddle of fluid. It was completely empty. Sucked out what i could and refilled with proper fluid. Saved myself from a potential failure on my trip. Just a few weeks ago on my way back from a 400km trip, the engine started misfiring. Limped it home. Turned out one of the ignition coils had failed. But, it was actually the pcm which also had melted connections. Replaced pcm, ignition coil and had to go to the dealer to get my keys programmed. So far, not impressed with my Ford Cx9. I am just waiting for the water pump to destroy the engine and i think that will wrap it up for me. Changing the coolant in the spring, might prolong my ownership experience a little longer.

[@dre300037]

How is it holding up so far?

[@pyromaniac354]

@@dre300037 it would of blown up by now lol

[@stevehensley6969]

Thank you for this video. I tried with a hand pump with no success. I bought the basic brake bleeder and it worked like a charm.

[@13cardenk]

What’s it called? And where can I buy it?

[@boobalew]

Beats Ford's VOLVO system. I had a 2005 Five Hundred Limited AWD come in with a noise that we thought was the Transfer Gear in the CVT. When we pulled the Right CV Axle, heard a clunk and the splines were rusty! Could not get the PTU out because whatever "clunked" held it in place. We would have had to drop the Front Cradle and the owner decided that since it had 250,000 miles and a new PTU cost $2,700.00, it was time to have it hauled off! There was no sign of leakage anywhere on or around the PTU and no drain or fill plug. Another wonderful design!

[@TEMPLE7D]

This is for the old Ford powered Mazda CX-9s. - the 2016+ Skyactiv’s have NO Ford parts. I’m 110,000 miles in on my 2018.

[@asburypark1516]

Have seen Duretec engines with over 300k miles. Engine was spotless inside. Timing chains were tight still. People need to use synthetic oils only. Water was failing so changed ot out before major issues would have occurred.

[@j.taylorduke8227]

This video is exactly what I needed. Thanks

[@blue52851]

Isn't there any class action lawsuits against Mazda for this defect?　　Transmission is also sealed and the owners manual does not specify for the scheduled maintenance for it, so I did not know about it until I see fluid leaks around the transmission area. My CX9 is 2012 which I bought it new at the beginning of 2013, and it only has 20k on it, but the leak is happening. I see many others having the same issue. Let me know if there is any class action lawsuits going on. I"d like to provide my damage info as well.

[@nme700]

The new garage looks nice and bright!

[@BSGAutomotive]

It sure is, this was a huge upgrade in space.

[@patrickrobichaux]

Thanks for the video. One thing I'd recommend is just always go over the top when getting the plug in and out. Much easier. Can't see but just do it by feel

[@BSGAutomotive]

I've done that too.

[@Soprano0913]

hey thanks for the great video. but is this required for the new 2018 Mazda CX9 or just the older ones?

[@ipconfigp3495]

You need to know that these will fail for a.different reason. The air bleeder on top of the tcase gets clogged and then the case builds up incredible heat and pressure. It then pukes all the fluid under pressure out the now released bleeder. Or whatever is left of it that hasn't already turned into sludge. I had mine do this after changing the fluid within 10k miles. Its a common engineering mistake on this case and vehicle. (Thanks Ford) I had two cx9s and both did the exact same thing. One before fluid was changed the other soon after. The solution? When the case grenades and then also destroys the carrier gear in your trans you take out the tcase and trans to have rebuilt. Take out the bleeder and install a tube that goes up to top of the engine. A small metal breather filter is put into the top end of the tube above the engine. This is also where you fill the case from then on. While I had mine out i drilled a hole in the bottom of the case too (then tapped and installed a fitting) for easier draining with an extension tube and valve in the end of that. The other problem with this piece of crap is the amount of fluid. 500ml of fluid is not enough. I added a finned radiator and pump to get the fluid out of the case and up to the reservoir at the front of the vehicle. Now mine has 1.5liters of fluid circulating between it and the tcase. This case is such a bad design its laughable.

[@diychicken7279]

How do you get the bleeder out? And what size/ type of fitting can replace it to connect a vent hose?

[@Ilikeryche]

I wonder how good old 80W90 non synthetic gear oil would hold up in these. Ever tried it?

[@hugobose2668]

Pls do a video how to change the starter of a Mazda CX-9 2012 pls

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Another brilliant FORD idea. How do these clowns stay in business against Toyota?

[@msk3905]

They all like this not just Ford

[@Ilikeryche]

I've seen Toyota Venza's and rav 4's with similar issues.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

@@gtzgreatride No, Mazda was owned by Ford at the time this vehicle was built.

[@CrazyPetez]

Ford claims the PTU in my 2019 Edge ST is liquid cooled. I hope they mean cooled by coolant and not the lube itself. Your thoughts? Thanks!

[@akaitv6606]

The mazda cx7 2006-2012 fail aswell however looks slightly different, does anyone know if parts are available.

[@psgugrad]

Another question : What do you think of putting an ounce or two of some sort of solvent (seafoam, carb cleaner?) In the fill hole then driving the car for a few miles to loosen up an thin out the tar for better extraction? I wouldn't think that it would hurt the gears or bearings...my concern would be for the seals. Any suggestions appreciated and great channel!

[@JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

You don't want solvent in where you need oil. It thins out / breaks down the oil. I realize you're not intending this for long term but I wouldn't do it.

[@robertoarriola-bustamante9169]

I was thinking the same thing but Whit diesel

[@christophergeorge8800]

I do mine every 20k miles. I use REDLINE HIGH TEMP 75W140 OIL ON MY 2012 LINCOLN MKX AWD. EACH CHANGE OIL IS DARK BLACK NO GUNK. AFTER CHANGE WOW WHAT A DIF. A LOCAL OILER DOES ITVFORCME.

[@joshuaramos9676]

Is this only for AWD? I have a 2008 Mazda CX9 with FWD do I even have a transfer case. do I need to do this every 30,000 miles?

[@jesusarriaga8053]

Great video! Do you know if the PTU rear retainer seal is fixable?

[@msk3905]

I replaced my fluid at 110,000 and I was surprised at how clean the original fluid and drain/fill plug was. It was nothing like yours, I did the rear differential fluids at same and was pleasantly surprised at that fluid too! Looking at that “tar” in yours do you think fluid changes are really doing anything, that nasty thick stuff is still in the case.

[@psgugrad]

What do you think of mobile1 75w140 synthetic?

[@chrisslinkard3877]

Would you consider tapping it and putting a drain plug in?

[@BSGAutomotive]

no

[@MerryEconomist]

Why not?!? Seems to be convenient upgrade for every next fluid change..

[@nodak81]

@@MerryEconomist I'm not sure but I think the case might be too thin or too curved. I'd like to put a drain in the one on my Taurus but probably won't.

[@mebenicolas]

@@nodak81 there's a lot of guys who have done it. I definitely want to do it to mine but I'm waiting until I get a spare one at my shop to practice on

[@mebenicolas]

By spare I mean one that went bad to open up. I work at a dealership.

[@mremmrem2555]

Hi I have a Mazda CX 9 Model The walkway is 211,000 km The oil is black There is a problem with numbers 4 and 5 Ride but do not walk What is the problem and what is the solution?

[@jeremiahbright706]

How many miles were on this PTU?

[@BSGAutomotive]

115k miles

[@xxmoodyxxmj8601]

BSG Automotive it’s ok to change the oil after 96k ? Or will be problem? Please need an answer

[@user-ts3yw3yd7r]

How much is the cost for this?

[@fomocore]

I replace those like cord wood especially Uber Lyft drivers. Ford should make a heat shield.

[@soaphelps]

i wonder if you could drill a small hole at the back of one of the cover bolts on the bottom and use that too drain. 2 birds one stone.

[@InternetDude]

This is the same as the Ford Flex, isn’t it?

[@BSGAutomotive]

Yup

[@ElevateVision7]

What year Mazda is this ?

[@bravoswede]

Would it be better to make sure the car has ran ( is warmed up) to make it easier to suction?

[@geraldhulton6856]

One of the Reasons I traded in my 2015 SHO

[@InternetDude]

Gerald Hulton another reason is because when the water pump fails it can destroy the entire engine.

[@geraldhulton6856]

InternetDude Ford dealer told me they didn’t do PTU service. They said let it seize and they will replace it under warranty. Also the inner cooler would get condensation in it and could suck it in and vapor lock. And the intake valve issue. Other than that The SHO was an Awesome car. Very fast.

[@InternetDude]

That's an ignorant standpoint. Sure Ford will replace it but what about you having to deal with taking it in to get service, possibly wait for parts, maybe have to take the day off work, etc.? And what if it doesn't fail until you're just outside warranty? The PTU fails for one reason, it overheats and belches the fluid or turns it to tar. It's just that simple. Fluid changes are the absolute best way to get more life out of a PTU (unless it's too late already). The dealer's stance is comparable to "don't change your engine oil, just wait til it's seizes and replace it". I had an EcoBoost F-150 from 2011-2015 so I'm aware of many of the EB issues like that intercooler/valve issues. Now I have an 03 F150 and it's much simpler and more reliable.

[@MrDavidknigge]

@@InternetDude Another reason to flush the coolant every 60k.

[@MrDavidknigge]

@@geraldhulton6856 ford now finally recs drain and replace fluid at 30k intervals.

[@rr3852]

Question, when you replace these; do you drain the trans fluid too?

[@mskehan19]

No different case

[@louiemoscatel585]

Have you seen the PTU set up in the 2016 Explorer 3.5 TT? There's a sensor and a shield over the plug. This one on the Mazda looks like a dream in comparison.

[@BSGAutomotive]

Yes those are the ones you technically have to remove the cat to fill them. Such a pain but nice to finally see coolers on these.

[@louiemoscatel585]

Actually I've read that folks have been using the vent tube to refill the exact amount removed. Must take some time to get that molasses down the tube though, lol

[@jasonlarsen3515]

Thank you

[@kennethscanlon4622]

Started doing this in my 2010 Ford Edge, and familiarity with the drive train helped the decision along to buy the CX9 when we needed more room. Done the Mazda twice now. Would you recommend using a moly additive in these? Paste or liquid?

[@bryanw8651]

The over heating problem was more of an issue in the 07-09 edges. Some exploding at 30k miles. They seemed to have gotten it right on the 10 n up. My 07 ptu failed at 220k miles making it a front wheel drive.

[@jkjwf]

Can you show a tutorial on how to remove/install the radiator on a 2010 Mazda CX-9

[@ellaenchanted3884]

Set aside 8 hours to do this! Full front end needs to be disassembled for access! Then one has to reassemble 😤🤬

[@2mccue4u27]

Hi there. Ive owned a 2013 cx9, 157k miles, since July 2023. just started making the awful burning smell last week. No issues with drive train but i've been doing my research & really, really don't want to pay for a PTU/case replacement. Is there any way to clean the tar/burned slag buildup out?

[@johnharden2920]

What about the two wheel drive cuz mine's starting to act funny and I thought it was the bearings but it seems like it's something in the front with the transmission but the gears change perfect from drive to reverse and so on

[@rockiemountin7535]

Do the newer Mazda’s have these issues 2021 or just the ones when they were involved with Ford?

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

Is this a cause for lack of power while in drive?

[@frankgon4]

I have a 2015 taurus sho. I change the engine oil frequently. Any other suggestions?

[@deematt8704]

Is it possible to flush the unit before refilling it?

[@mikeZinck]

Very common failure Mazda has an extended warranty on them. I'm a tech at Mazda and have changed lots of them.

[@BSGAutomotive]

Good to hear Mazda stepped up.

[@DavidSmith-gz6dh]

mikeZinck how many miles is the extended warranty? Thanks

[@DJR5280]

David Smith 90k miles

[@lsotojr1]

mikeZinck at what mile interval, should this service be performed?

[@MrDavidknigge]

@@lsotojr1 I looks like it is the same unit as on the fords. Every 30k.

[@Clamjammer]

I always thought about a half gear oil /half marvel mystery oil in my ptu then draining that mixture once or twice. Mystery oil does a nice job at cleaning. I wouldn’t drive too far or too longer on the half and half mixture though. Then I’d refill with all the proper gear oil obviously. What do you think?

[@mskehan19]

Kaboom is what I think

[@Captain_Brown_Beard]

I went to change my new PTU Gear oil after 30k miles and its leaking again, but this time at the driveshaft seal and main case seam. Last one was leaking at the axle seals

[@whcchief]

How did you seal up the leaks

[@Captain_Brown_Beard]

@@whcchief I traded it in lol. These transfer cases are complete shit.

[@turbo2ltr]

Seems like it would be smart just to drill and install a drain plug...

[@glenschooley8619]

The engineers, could ,make the lowest bolt, a drain.!!!!

[@Jeremy95]

What year is this Mazda CX-9 with 112k miles on it?

[@VP48]

I have a 2019 edge I was told they have a drain plug, do they? Ford said that they have redesigning the PTU Case, is that true? Thanks Marty

[@BSGAutomotive]

Yes many of the new PTU's have drains.

[@289cobra9]

BSG Automotive How about a 2011 escape? Drain plug. Yes or no?

[@jayhawker03]

Rick McGrath no

[@EPHONIC]

@BSG Automotive and everyone: Does the FWD model have any issues with a power transfer case (PTU). I’m not smart when it comes to these things. Does a FWD version even have a PTU?

[@BSGAutomotive]

FWD has no PTU.

[@snay1345]

Did I miss how much fluid this thing holds? Need to know how many bottles of oil I need to get. Thanks

[@christopherbarabas9151]

Takes roughly half a quart

[@bktodc]

@@christopherbarabas9151 I guess depending on how much you siphon out, but as the vid says you won't need more than one quart

[@christopherbarabas9151]

Correct you wont need more than a quart, but it still takes only half a quart

[@dr.brianadams6542]

Kind of an old thread, but I'll ask anyways. I have a 2013 sho without the performance pack, do I have drain and fill plugs on my ptu?

[@alexsmith5884]

Dr. Brian Adams they all have fill plugs no drain

[@Tim_ra]

I thought it was every 90,000 miles?

[@markoskomersic9656]

managed to open my PTU on 2011 CX-9 when she had 80k km and it was all tar, since then replaced it 6 times in 18 months just to clean as much as possible. Looks like no dmage at all to the PTU but I am trying to find a method to completely clean PTU without dissmantling it. Is there some fluid that I can use to dissolve all tar residue in it that I can then pump out from PTU so I can have clean PTU? It should be important that I can remove all of that cleaning fluid somehow through fill hole.

[@Clamjammer]

Marko Skomersic I always thought about a half gear oil /half marvel mystery oil in my ptu then draining that mixture once or twice. Mystery oil does a nice job at cleaning. I wouldn’t drive too far or too longer on the half and half mixture though. Then I’d refill with all the proper gear oil obviously. What do you think?

[@stuckster]

Hi Marko. Did you drain and fill the PTU yourself? If so, how did you manage without a hoist? cheers

[@markoskomersic9656]

@@Clamjammer am not sure if that is an option since I would like to have it clean and without and solvent when I pour new fluid in PTU. I am considering to bore new hole for draining like many people did.

[@markoskomersic9656]

@@stuckster yes I did and am doing that ever 5-6k km. It is 20-30 min job and it takes only half a litre of fluid but makes my PTU running without any issues so far (120k km)

[@stuckster]

@@markoskomersic9656 Awesome. Do you just use jack stands, or do you have access to a hoist?

[@junkazama6189]

does this apply to front wheel drive cx-9?

[@BSGAutomotive]

No

[@junkazama6189]

thank you, one less thing to worry about. im already stressed out by the water pump inside the engine.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

Thank God my 2019 ford fusion has a drain plug lol

[@chrisland169]

next time show us with a old ptu , open it and find the location for a drain plug!

[@nm9412]

I can’t, it’s factory sealed. I know it needs.

[@destaniberwari9779]

Hello

[@destaniberwari9779]

Hello, I have great experience in gasoline and new model cars. I can repair all kinds of engines and automatic transmissions.

[@fomocore]

It's already sludged up haha

[@zeeosix]

Is it possible to drill and tap the bottom of the PTU for a drain plug while it's in the vehicle? Ford & Mazda should be hung by the thumbs for not putting a drain plug in the PTU - boneheads.