2020 Chevy Equinox requires $131/quart fluid for transfer case!!

[MolaKule]

Redline says D6 ATF.

https://www.redlineoil.com/find-products-for-my-vehicle

Something's wrong since D6 has a 6.0 cSt viscosity at 100C, whereas the lube in question is a GL-5 of 15 cSt.

This is a bad reference on Redline's part, assuming the search terms were correct.

 

[MolaKule]

Interesting MSDS

https://www.rockauto.com/info/438/2576332_1_1224732447.pdf


View attachment 268154

Item 2 is the Viscosity Index Improver (VII),

Item 3 is an Anti-wear/EP agent,

I would expect the base oils to be a mixture of Group II-IV types.

Items 4 through 6 are anti-oxidant agents; about what I would expect from a 75W90 GL-5 gear lube.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Just use regular gear oil

 

[nascarnation]

Yes, the T-case is basically a right angle gear drive, with an electric shift fork style actuator that connects/disconnects the T-case with the front right CV shaft.

The rear end kicks in/out with an integrated wet clutch.

Sounds to me like this transfer case (aka PTU) would run fine on typical 75W90 10 buck/quart differential lube.
The rear diff is a bit different since it has the clutch pack.

 

[JTK]

Sounds to me like this transfer case (aka PTU) would run fine on typical 75W90 10 buck/quart differential lube.
The rear diff is a bit different since it has the clutch pack.

The nice thing about the 2018+ Equinox/traverse is the clutch pack and it's oil is in its own separate housing/reservoir. You have drain and fill plugs for the rear diff 75w90 and a drain and fill plug for the pentosin 11s.

 

[Jpc1623]

I have a 2020 Equinox 1.5T AWD. I use Valvoline Transfer case fluid $apprx 20. And Mobil 1 75-90 $20. Are these prices you’re giving for work done in the shop? Your per qt amount is awfully high.

 

[4WD]

Yeah, the driveshaft is disconnected at both ends to decrease drag. And the 2 units are sourced from different makers from what I can find. The previous generation with the Haldex clutch unit at the diff had problems with sludge possibly from heat from the exhaust pipe nearby and would cook the pint of magic fluid.

Just like the exhaust pipes right on my Ford PTU (gone) - hope it’s much easier to change so that if another fluid is used - make it short and have a look. (Drain to a white bowl) …