Vehicle Questions and Answers
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In cars and SUVs, the Power Transfer Units (PTU), also called Power take-Off (PTO), is a system that distributes power to all four wheels, allowing for both full-time and part-time four-wheel drive. It adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear wheels based on specific driving conditions. The PTU contains a set of gears connected to the output shaft of a transverse engine and transmission, with the ring gear driving the pinion attached to the driveshaft and rear differential. You can typically find a PTU from a Ford dealer on eBay for around $800, but outside dealer prices can range from $1,200 to $1,500 depending on your location.
My 2014 Explorer comes with a fill plug on the PTU, but no drain plug, as is typical. To change the 18 ounces of 75-140 fluid, you have to suction out the existing fluid and then refill it. Some people are opting to drill a hole in the lower part of the case and install a drain plug. A YouTube mechanic specializing in Ford vehicles (Ford Makuloco) talks about the longstanding issues with PTUs and their solutions. This information should be beneficial for AWD Ford owners.
To replace the PTU fluid in a Ford Explorer, you will have to get under the vehicle and take out the drain plug located on the side of the PTU unit. After that, you can put back the drain plug using a new washer before refilling it from the engine compartment.
In the beginning, some models had both drain plugs and fill plugs. As time went on, they updated the design so that the fill plug incorporated a sensor and vent hose instead. Eventually, the latest models no longer have a drain plug at all.