This blog article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the center transfer case fluid on a 2003-2018 Porsche Cayenne. We will also briefly discuss the correct Porsche Cayenne center transfer case fluid specifications, the change interval, what is the proper fluid capacity, and why changing your Porsche Cayenne transfer case fluid so important.
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Copyright © Blau®, Blauparts® LLC. All rights reserved. The content (text, images, etc.) in this blog article is the exclusive property of Blauparts LLC and its subsidiaries and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without our express written consent. Read our copyright and trademark policy by clicking on our “Terms of Use” link below.
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Change Info
These how-to transfer case fluid change procedures apply to Porsche Cayenne models as listed below.
- 2003-2018 Porsche Cayenne Center Transfer Case Fluid Change (9PA and 92A Chassis)
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Change Interval
When should you change your Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Be Changed?
The Porsche Cayenne 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.
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Specifications
- 2003-2010 Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Part Number 000 043 300 36 / 000 043 301 36 (Ravenol Transfer Case Fluid J1C1125)
- 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne Locking Transfer Case Fluid Part Number 000 043 305 63 (With control unit servo motor mounted on passenger side)(This is the PL72 Transfer Case)(Code NBM, NFB, NFD, NLK, NUX, PJJ, PSB, PSL, PSD, PSJ, PJL, QND, NFC, NLJ, PJK, PSC, PSK, QNE, QNF, QQE, RGV, RZK, QVU, RGU, RZJ, RGW, RZL) (Ravenol Transfer Case Fluid J1C1125)
- 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne Non-Locking Torsen Transfer Case Fluid Part Number 958 341 536 00 (Without control unit servo motor mounted on passenger side)(Code NMU, NDZ (Ravenol VSG J1C1109)
Important Porsche Transfer Case Fluid Part Number Notes: The 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne was optioned with two different types of center transfer cases. Each of these two transfer cases uses a different fluid specification. To confirm which type of transfer case and transfer case fluid you will need your going to need to confirm the type of center transfer case you have. This can be done in two ways. The first option is to visually confirm the center transfer case 3-digit manufacture code via the transfer cases identification tag. The second is to confirm if you have the locking transfer case or a non-locking transfer case. The first generation (2003-2010) locking transfer case has an electronic servo motor unit with electrical plugs located on the passenger side of the transfer case. The second generation 2011-2018 has an electronic control unit mounted on the transfer case by the front driveshaft area. The standard non-locking center transfer case will not have an electronic servo motor or control unit with wired plugs located on the passenger side of the transfer case. Please confirm your center transfer case type before proceeding and use the correct corresponding fluid specification as mentioned above.
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Capacity
- 2004-2010 Porsche Cayenne Center Transfer Case Fluid Capacity - 0.85 Liter (0.89 US Quart)
- 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne Locking Center Transfer Case Fluid Capacity - 0.78 Liter (0.82 US Quart)
- 2011-2018 Porsche Cayenne Non-Locking Center Transfer Case Fluid Capacity - 0.50 Liter (0.52 US Quart)
Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Change Tools Needed
- 3/8 - 1/2 Inch Drive 8mm Hex Bit Socket (6 points)
- 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 is 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 Porsche 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 Porsche Cayenne Transfer Case Fluid Change Instructions
How To Step 1
Since the Porsche Cayenne 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 Porsche Cayenne with a floor jack, jack stands, or by an approved automotive hoist isn't necessarily required when changing the center transfer case fluid. The Porsche Cayenne 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 stand. 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 transfer case fluid drain plug and allow the old dirty Porsche Cayenne transfer case fluid to thoroughly drain into a waste oil drain pan container. (Image 4 & 5)
How To Step 5
Once the old 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 plug and fill plug is recommended to confirm a seal and no slow leaks. (Image 6)
How To Step 6
Using the correct Porsche Cayenne transfer case fluid specification, begin filling the transfer case through the fill port. Fill the 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 fluid level has been confirmed I like to wait around 5 minutes to allow any air pockets to leave the transfer case. We 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 your Cayenne 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 transfer case fluid from the transfer case drain, and fill plug locations. The Porsche Cayenne 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 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.
Copyright © Blau®, Blauparts® LLC. All rights reserved. The content (text, images, etc.) in this blog article is the exclusive property of Blauparts LLC and its subsidiaries and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without our express written consent. Read our copyright and trademark policy by clicking on our “Terms of Use” link below.
