PTU Fluid Change Shops in Detroit Area

[97novi2k]

I called 4 FORD dealers in the Detroit area and all said they wouldn't touch the PTU since its sealed. Anyone who has had it done in the Detroit area can you let me know where you went.

 

[SHOdded]

Try Lincoln dealerships instead, tell them you want a front differential fluid exchange.  Might have to visit 1 or 2 in person, talk to the mechanic.

Otherwise you can try your luck with the bgfindashop.com site, look for shops that perform driveline services.

 

[97novi2k]

Ok I will give that a try tomorrow! Hopefully someone here has had it done in the area

 

[SHOdded]

There are quite a few members from the Detroit and Chicago area on here, so if all else fails, maybe one of them can help you out ...

 

[97novi2k]

I usually do my own work but figured this would be cheap and I don't have an extractor. I'm about to hit 31k so want to get this done.

I did find a BG dealer close that says they do front differential so I will call tomorrow, thanks for the heads up.

 

[Scott4957]

You can get an extractor from HarborFreight for $15, it works great.

 

[pmezo33]

It really is no big deal since you have a non-pp.  Get some jack stands and a cheap extractor.  I use a mityvac i got for like $70 off amazon.  You could buy an even cheaper one, but I really like my mityvac.  Sucks up everything real quick.

Once you've got the car on jack stands and the tire removed, it takes about 15 minutes to do.  On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest, it's about a 2.  Really easy.

Do the rear differential fluid while you're at it.  That's even easier than the PTU.

 

[97novi2k]

I might have to give it a try myself, for everyone that drains and fills twice do you drive a little and do it again or what's the procedure

 

[pmezo33]

I might have to give it a try myself, for everyone that drains and fills twice do you drive a little and do it again or what's the procedure

It couldn't hurt to drive around a little.  Just make sure it cools down before draining the second time.  It gets real hot under there.

 

[BBOX]

When I did my PTU and RDU with about 60K on the clock, we ended up double-dipping on it. The factory, erm, "fluids" were thick, chunky and pasty and a pain in the ass to extract, so my mechanic friend assisting me suggested sucking out as much as possible, refilling with fresh fluid and then driving around for a period of time to allow the new fluid to mix with the old, then repeat the process a couple of weeks later. When we performed the second service, the extraction was much easier and more thorough. Doing the process twice is a bit of a pain in the ass but I do feel it's worth it to ensure it's done thoroughly.

 

[97novi2k]

I guess I will see how bad it is before I decide to do a second drain. I was looking at the how to section but the one only shows some of the pics. Can't be that hard I'm sure I could give it a try

 

[sholxgt]

If you go the dealer route, try to find the one that services the police interceptors.  The Lincoln dealer my wife works at does the local PD cars and they get the PTU fluid changed.  Granted, the service is slightly different since they have the PP cooler, but similar enough.

 

[97novi2k]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I might try this myself but will also call a few Lincoln dealers as well just to see pricing

 

[97novi2k]

Got my PTU and rear diff changed and all looked good. The PTU was dark but no sludge and also no metal shavings.

Car has 31k on the dial

 

[97novi2k]

Also I was able to get it done at the Lincoln dealer, just didn't have time on my own

 

[sholxgt]

Great to hear!  Not sure why it is, but it seems that Lincoln dealers are often the solution.

My wife works at a small Lincoln dealer and I will say that, in my experience, they don't turn down any service work.  I have even seen armored SWAT vehicles in there for service.  Last one was a beast built on a 450 chassis.  Yes, I sat in it and acted like a little kid sitting on a garden tractor at Lowe's.

 

[SHOdded]

LOL at sholxgt!

Lincoln dealers are generally great places to go.  Either they have more experienced staff, or their mindset towards the customer is different.  Either way, nice to get a clean bill of health!

 

[sholxgt]

or their mindset towards the customer is different. 

I think that last one is the key.  Lincoln corporate visits the dealers often and they have many functions outside of the dealership.  All with the goal of making sure that everyone at the dealership provide "The Lincoln Experience."  In short, I think they are all held to a fairly high standard in order to keep their franchise license and are not likely to tell a customer "no."

Just don't plan on using a Lincoln dealer to save money.  Best bet for saving money if the repair/maintenance is on you is to find a Ford dealer with a Quick Lane Center.

 

[97novi2k]

Yeah this dealer was super friendly and really customer oriented. It wasn't cheap but was worth it, glad to hear no metal or sludge.

I asked before it went to the back to see the oil so I could post up pictures but the tech forgot, he even came out and apologized that there was a note on there, no biggie just wanted to post up here for everyone but I guess next time.

Would love to sit in the SWAT truck