This blog article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the center transfer case fluid on a 2007-2015 Audi Q7. We will also briefly discuss the correct Audi Q7 center transfer case fluid specifications, the change interval, what is the proper fluid capacity, and why changing your Audi Q7 transfer case fluid so important.
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Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Change Info
These how-to differential fluid change procedures apply to Q7 models as listed below.
- 2007-2015 Audi Q7 Center Transfer Case Fluid Change
Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Audi Q7 center transfer case fluid? We recommend changing the fluid around 80,000-90,000 miles. However, this can change depending on your driving style. If the vehicle sees aggressive driving and off-roading, you can service the center transfer case fluid as early as 50,000-70,000 miles. Abiding by these recommended transfer case fluid change intervals can eliminate and minimize transfer case issues.
Why Should Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?
The Audi Q7 center transfer case has a good amount of moving internal components. This includes bearings, planetary gears, synchronizer rings, sleeves, disc packs, gear pulleys, and chains. These internal components rely solely on the transfer case fluids lubrication film strength for protection and longevity. Through use the center transfer case fluid experiences excessive shear loads and excessive heat cycles. In time these heat cycles and excessive loads deplete the lubricating properties and film strength of the center differential fluid. Continued use of old transfer case fluid will result in transfer case bearing, planetary gear, synchronizer ring, sleeve, disc pack, gear pulley, and chains wear and possible failure. Therefore, having regular transfer case fluid changes is important. Changing the center transfer case fluid as routine maintenance will greatly extend the life of the transfer case, minimize driveline noises, chatter and vibrations due to wear, and ensure the transfer case unit receives reliable clean lubrication.
Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Specifications
- 2007-2010 Audi Q7 Center Transfer Case Fluid G 052 162 A2 / G 052 162 A1 (Eurol 1100 Fluid J1D3004-001 or Ravenol 5/4HP Fluid J1D2107)
- 2011-2015 Audi Q7 Center Transfer Case Fluid G 055 515 A2 / G 052 515 A2 / G 052 536 A2 (Eurol DCF 1404 Fluid J1D3001-001 or Ravenol DTF-1 Transfer Case Fluid J1C1125)
Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
- 2007-2010 Audi Q7 Center Transfer Case Fluid Capacity - 0.85 Liter (0.89 US Quart)
- 2011-2015 Audi Q7 Center Transfer Case Fluid Capacity - 0.65 Liter (0.68 US Quart)
Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Drive 8mm Hex Bit Socket (6 point)
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Racket (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Extensions (dependent on bit socket drive size)
- Waste Oil Drain Pan Container
- Fluid Pump Tool (Optional - It's always easier with a pump and a flexible hose. Keep in mind the RAVENOL bottles have a built-in flex hose in the cap and can work for most applications. Possible fluid pump solutions are SKU part numbers J91001 or T2A0129.)
- High temp RTV or Thread Sealant (The drain and fill plugs do not have sealing washers or o-rings and rely on clean threads and sealant to seal.)
- Protective Rubber Gloves
Disclaimer: Blauparts recommend having a factory-trained A.S.E. certified Audi mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always refer to the owner's manual and factory service manual for Audi transfer case fluid changing procedures. Always wear protective gloves and wear safety glasses when handling fluids and oils.
Step-by-Step Audi Q7 Transfer Case Fluid Change Instructions
How To Step 1
Since the center transfer case fluid is thicker it is best to get the center transfer case fluid warm before draining it. This can be done by taking your car for a quick 10-15 minute drive. This will allow the center transfer case fluid viscosity to get thinner and flow more easily from the transfer case when drained.
How To Step 2
Lift the vehicle using an approved automotive hoist or a floor jack and jack stands so that the vehicle is in a perfectly level position. To confirm you are lifting the vehicle correctly reference your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures. The vehicle needs to be in a level position to confirm the correct center transfer case fluid level when refilling. If the vehicle is not level this can cause the transfer case fluid level to be incorrect and could cause transfer case damage.
Important Note: Lifting the Audi Q7 with a floor jack, jack stands, or by an approved automotive hoist isn't necessarily required when changing the center transfer case fluid. The Audi Q7 should have enough ground clearance to access the center transfer case area. If you do desire to lift the vehicle for more working area under the vehicle, please proceed as follows. Confirm you are using an approved automotive lift or jack stands. Confirm you are lifting the vehicle correctly by referencing your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures.
How To Step 3
Locate and loosen (Counterclockwise) the 8mm hex bit fill plug. This is located on the rear side of the transfer case just below the rear driveshaft area. It is always best to confirm the fill plug can be removed before draining the transfer case fluid. This will confirm you will have a way to refill the transfer case with fluid in case the fill plug is seized or can’t be removed. (Image 1, 2 & 3)
How To Step 4
Locate the 8mm hex bit transfer case fluid drain plug on the bottom center area of the transfer case. Loosen, and remove the Audi Q7 transfer case fluid drain plug and allow the old dirty transfer case fluid to thoroughly drain into a waste oil drain pan container. (Image 4 & 5)
How To Step 5
Once the old Audi Q7 transfer case fluid has been drained use a clean rag to clean the drain plug and excess fluid from around the drain plug area on the differential. Reinstall the drain plug. Using a torque wrench tighten the drain plug to the factory specified 12 ft-lb torque specification.
Note: Using a small amount of high temp RTV or thread sealant on the drain and fill plug is recommended to confirm a seal and no slow leaks. (Image 6)
How To Step 6
Using the correct specification transfer case fluid, begin filling the transfer case through the fill port. Fill the Audi Q7 transfer case with fluid until you see the fluid flow from the fill port. Make sure you have your waste oil drain pan container handy to catch the flow of fluid. Once you see the fluid flow in a heavy stream from the fill port the transfer case fluid level is correct. This step should always be done with the vehicle and transfer case in a 100% level condition to confirm the proper fluid level. This step should never be done with the vehicle not level.
Once the Audi Q7 fluid level has been confirmed I like to wait around 5 minutes to allow any air pockets to leave the transfer case. I also like to rotate the driveshaft several times by hand. Many times, this will allow one or two more pumps (small amount) of transfer case fluid to still be added. To confirm your transfer case fluid capacity, see the above-listed capacities. (Image 7)
How To Step 7
Once the transfer case fluid level has been confirmed you can re-install the transfer case fluid fill plug and torque it to the factory-specified 12 ft-lb torque specification.
Note: Using a small amount of high temp RTV or thread sealant on the drain and fill plug is recommended to confirm a seal and no slow leaks. (Image 8)
How To Step 8
Use a rag, clean and remove all excess drained and overflowed Audi Q7 transfer case fluid from the transfer case drain and fill plug locations. The transfer case should be completely cleaned of all fluid. This will later help you to inspect and confirm that the center transfer case does not have any leaks.
How To Step 9
If you did lift the vehicle with an approved automotive hoist or floor jack and jack stands you can lower the vehicle as highlighted and referenced in your factory owner’s manual. Confirm the correct vehicle lift point locations and procedures as highlighted in your factory owner's manual.
How To Step 10
Once you have the vehicle on the ground you can take the car for a simple 5-10 minute test drive, look at the Audi Q7 center transfer case and confirm you do not have any leaks coming from the transfer case drain plug.
How to Step 11
Dispose of your old transfer case fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Side Note: It is good to note in your records the current mileage at the time of your transfer case fluid change, as well as when you might want to change it next. We also recommend keeping detailed service records to keep track of your vehicle's true condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can help improve your vehicle resale value.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® differential fluid change kits use high-quality, fully synthetic* gear oils and transfer case fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. In turn, this can support the conservation of the environment through less driveline fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- BLAU® differential fluid change kits conveniently include the correct fluids, gear oil, fluid specifications, and quantities for your vehicle's transfer case and differential fluid change needs
- All kits use differential and transfer case fluids that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific fluid specification requirements
- Advanced gear oil and transfer case fluid formulation technologies engineered with improved lubricating properties
- High-quality fully synthetic gear oils and transfer case fluid formulations allow for extended service life, conserving Earth's resources
- Better extreme pressure (EP) properties, shear stability, lubricating film strength, and oxidation resistance even when exposed to high temperature and high load pressure
- Optimize driveline efficiency and fuel-saving characteristics with higher-quality gear oils and transfer case fluids
- Excellent cooling capacity for better driveline performance and less wear
- Low foaming properties and resistance to internal differential and transfer case fluid cavitation
- Great cold-temperature lubricating properties and flow for added driveline protection and efficiency during the cold driving phase
