The Power Transfer Units (PTU), also known as Power take-Off (PTO), is an all-wheel drive (AWD) transfer case used in cars and sport utility vehicles. It allows for power to all four wheels either part time or full time, and also varies how much power goes to the front and rear by specific driving conditions. The PTU contains a ring and pinion gear attached to the output shaft of a transverse engine and transmission. The ring gear drives the pinion that is connected to the driveshaft and rear differential.The PTU is usually available off eBay from a Ford dealer for $800 or so shipped. So typical non-dealer costs will range from $1,200 (including PTU) to $1,500 depending on rates in Your area.
Randy
April 26, 2021
My 2014 Explorer has a fill plug on the PTU but no drain plug (which is quite common, I understand). Changing the 18 ounces of 75-140 fluid involves suctioning out what you can and then refilling. Some are drilling the lower portion of the case and threading in a drain plug. A "Ford only" mechanic (Ford Makuloco) on YouTube discusses the long time PTU problems and fixes. Hope this helps some AWD Ford owners.
Clyde I.
April 10, 2020
To change the ptu fluid on a ford explorer you need to access the bottom of the vehicle and remove the drain plug on the side of the ptu unit, then you can reinstall the drain plug with a new washer and fill from the engine compartment.
Clem
May 18, 2022
The early ones had drain plugs and fill plugs. Later they had drain plugs and the fill plug was filled with a sensor and vent hose. Later ones have no drain plug.
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