Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
Lubegard in Transfer Case
- Thread starter LeakySeals
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4wd
$50 site donor 2026
What is ATF ?
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Real funny - what is the brand of ATF in use ?
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Mobil 1 ATF has about same Brookfield as VTCF but higher VI - at one time it was rich w/ PAO - can't find that ...
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
Interesting I had no idea there was a specific transfer case fluid . I know some people put gear oil into their TC's but is that stuff Gear oil like or thinner like ATF?
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
Interesting I had no idea there was a specific transfer case fluid . I know some people put gear oil into their TC's but is that stuff Gear oil like or thinner like ATF?
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
So not so much for the synchromesh types ... ?
The fluid had never been changed. Was black when I changed it out. Had a hard time finding the Dex III-h so I went with Maxlife. Shuddered turning right. Turns out its closer to Dex Vi, too thin. I finally found Dex III at O'rielly but now its really tight, clunks randomly in certain situations. I'm sure its probably worn going 120k on Dex III but I'm hoping something can help the pronounced clunking coasting to and from stoplights
MolaKule
Staff member
I don't think there is a fluid to fix your problem.
You need to determine why it is clunking, etc. I suspect worn bearings and clutches.
You need to determine why it is clunking, etc. I suspect worn bearings and clutches.
MolaKule
Staff member
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
I don't think there is a fluid to fix your problem.
You need to determine why it is clunking, etc. I suspect worn bearings and clutches.
In addition, have you checked the CV joints?
I don't think there is a fluid to fix your problem.
You need to determine why it is clunking, etc. I suspect worn bearings and clutches.
In addition, have you checked the CV joints?
Leaky seals - if you transfer case has a coupling in it to allow for full time 4x4 / AWD, the correct fluid is a must. Otherwise it will bind and shudder a bit.
Originally Posted By: thescreensavers
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
Interesting I had no idea there was a specific transfer case fluid . I know some people put gear oil into their TC's but is that stuff Gear oil like or thinner like ATF?
I would only run gear oil in a transfer case if it was called for from the factory. The transfer case in your Cherokee will not be too happy with gear oil.
A lot of transfer cases (and even some manual transmissions!) have pumps that simply cannot pump heavy oil.
Originally Posted By: thescreensavers
Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Wondering if anyone has tried Lubegard Red in a GM transfer case that specs Dex III fluid.
If you were using old Dex III, then I see why you'd be interested in Lubeguard. What's the point though with a modern, synthetic fluid? BW4481 in your Escalade, right? You'd be much better served draining out whatever is in there, and replace with the proper fluid (minus additives). Only takes a couple quarts.
Interesting I had no idea there was a specific transfer case fluid . I know some people put gear oil into their TC's but is that stuff Gear oil like or thinner like ATF?
I would only run gear oil in a transfer case if it was called for from the factory. The transfer case in your Cherokee will not be too happy with gear oil.
A lot of transfer cases (and even some manual transmissions!) have pumps that simply cannot pump heavy oil.
Mobil 1 Syn ATF is in the TC now, will see what happens. Its 4F right now so everything is a bit tight.
There is nothing in the awd transfer case on these years that needs any special fluid. It probably doesn't even have low range. The transfer case acts as an open differential and all traction management is handled through the stabilitrac system. The stabilitrack uses a yaw sensor under the passenger front seat, wheel speed sensors, steering wheel angle, abs and a brake charge pump to control traction.
When it is shuddering turning left do you hear the abs pump running? If a wheel speed sensor is starting to get bad it can fake a low traction situation and cause the system to try and control traction by applying brakes on certain wheels. You can also unplug the yaw sensor under the passenger front seat to set it back to default and then the system will have to relearn itself. Most likely that won't fix it.
I had an 04 awd Tahoe that would activate traction control and hit the brakes at one specific intersection. Once it got going fast enough there wasn't a problem. One of the front wheel speed sensors was getting weak and wasn't putting out as strong of signal as fast as the other one was.
When it is shuddering turning left do you hear the abs pump running? If a wheel speed sensor is starting to get bad it can fake a low traction situation and cause the system to try and control traction by applying brakes on certain wheels. You can also unplug the yaw sensor under the passenger front seat to set it back to default and then the system will have to relearn itself. Most likely that won't fix it.
I had an 04 awd Tahoe that would activate traction control and hit the brakes at one specific intersection. Once it got going fast enough there wasn't a problem. One of the front wheel speed sensors was getting weak and wasn't putting out as strong of signal as fast as the other one was.
Originally Posted By: jhellwig
There is nothing in the awd transfer case on these years that needs any special fluid. It probably doesn't even have low range. The transfer case acts as an open differential and all traction management is handled through the stabilitrac system. The stabilitrack uses a yaw sensor under the passenger front seat, wheel speed sensors, steering wheel angle, abs and a brake charge pump to control traction.
When it is shuddering turning left do you hear the abs pump running? If a wheel speed sensor is starting to get bad it can fake a low traction situation and cause the system to try and control traction by applying brakes on certain wheels. You can also unplug the yaw sensor under the passenger front seat to set it back to default and then the system will have to relearn itself. Most likely that won't fix it.
I had an 04 awd Tahoe that would activate traction control and hit the brakes at one specific intersection. Once it got going fast enough there wasn't a problem. One of the front wheel speed sensors was getting weak and wasn't putting out as strong of signal as fast as the other one was.
Thanks for the info. No idea if the speed sensors are going bad. Nothing odd braking, cornering, etc. There is an occasional faint electric motor sound from somewhere underneath, assumed that was the fuel pump. No codes, recently passed inspection.
I noticed the shuddering turning right after using Maxlife in the TC. Swapped to O'riellys brand Dex III, shudder was gone. But now there was a clunk in and out of gear and approaching stoplights. And what can only be described as the sound of a dragging chain or rattle under some conditions like accelerating. Think I changed the TC fluid too late. It was black. Since new the truck climbs hills every day to and from the house so its not been an easy life on the drive train. This latest change trying another SYN ATF was short, less than a year. ATF came out clean. No metal came out on the drain. No leaks.
If I twist the drive train manually I swear it sounds like a loose chain in the TC. Should there be play in the TC when I manually twist it?
There is nothing in the awd transfer case on these years that needs any special fluid. It probably doesn't even have low range. The transfer case acts as an open differential and all traction management is handled through the stabilitrac system. The stabilitrack uses a yaw sensor under the passenger front seat, wheel speed sensors, steering wheel angle, abs and a brake charge pump to control traction.
When it is shuddering turning left do you hear the abs pump running? If a wheel speed sensor is starting to get bad it can fake a low traction situation and cause the system to try and control traction by applying brakes on certain wheels. You can also unplug the yaw sensor under the passenger front seat to set it back to default and then the system will have to relearn itself. Most likely that won't fix it.
I had an 04 awd Tahoe that would activate traction control and hit the brakes at one specific intersection. Once it got going fast enough there wasn't a problem. One of the front wheel speed sensors was getting weak and wasn't putting out as strong of signal as fast as the other one was.
Thanks for the info. No idea if the speed sensors are going bad. Nothing odd braking, cornering, etc. There is an occasional faint electric motor sound from somewhere underneath, assumed that was the fuel pump. No codes, recently passed inspection.
I noticed the shuddering turning right after using Maxlife in the TC. Swapped to O'riellys brand Dex III, shudder was gone. But now there was a clunk in and out of gear and approaching stoplights. And what can only be described as the sound of a dragging chain or rattle under some conditions like accelerating. Think I changed the TC fluid too late. It was black. Since new the truck climbs hills every day to and from the house so its not been an easy life on the drive train. This latest change trying another SYN ATF was short, less than a year. ATF came out clean. No metal came out on the drain. No leaks.
If I twist the drive train manually I swear it sounds like a loose chain in the TC. Should there be play in the TC when I manually twist it?
There will be play because the transfer case has essentially an open differential in it between the front and rear outputs. You aren't going to hear the chain because of its style and take up system. I wouldn't worry about the black fluid you drained out the first time. The 4wd manual shift transfer cases are black after 80k on the factory fill.
The stabilitrac won't affect braking. It only cycles the brakes under acceleration or going into a slick turn hard. The charge pump is under your feet on the drivers side. It will cycle when the vehicle is first started. It is a different sound than the abs motor. It has been a while since I drove one but I think it kinda sounded like a muffled crunchy clunk when it engaged while accelerating. The charge pump will run slightly longer than a stabilitrac control event.
If you are mechanically inclined and intend on keeping the vehicle for a while I highly recommend getting the gm service manual for the vehicle. It has an excellent explanation of how the stabilitrac and awd system work and is very helpful in repairing the system. I don't remember the values for what the wheel speed sensors are supposed to be but I think taking a milivolt reading of the sensor while spinning the wheel will quickly show what sensor is weak. Did you by chance replace a fron wheel bearing recently? The sensors that come on the wheel bearings any more are junk.
Overall this era and platform of gm vehicles is easy to work on dispite the several issues they had.
The stabilitrac won't affect braking. It only cycles the brakes under acceleration or going into a slick turn hard. The charge pump is under your feet on the drivers side. It will cycle when the vehicle is first started. It is a different sound than the abs motor. It has been a while since I drove one but I think it kinda sounded like a muffled crunchy clunk when it engaged while accelerating. The charge pump will run slightly longer than a stabilitrac control event.
If you are mechanically inclined and intend on keeping the vehicle for a while I highly recommend getting the gm service manual for the vehicle. It has an excellent explanation of how the stabilitrac and awd system work and is very helpful in repairing the system. I don't remember the values for what the wheel speed sensors are supposed to be but I think taking a milivolt reading of the sensor while spinning the wheel will quickly show what sensor is weak. Did you by chance replace a fron wheel bearing recently? The sensors that come on the wheel bearings any more are junk.
Overall this era and platform of gm vehicles is easy to work on dispite the several issues they had.
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