Driveline Services
What They Are and Why They Matter
Why Driveline Services Matter
Driveline services are essential for import vehicles because they keep the system that transfers engine power to the wheels properly lubricated, aligned, and protected—preventing premature wear and costly repairs. Regular driveline service restores optimal lubrication, reduces vibration, improves fuel efficiency and acceleration, and extends the life of expensive drivetrain components—helping your import perform reliably and retain its value.
Transmission Service
Role
Transfers engine torque to the drive system while adjusting gear ratios for speed and load.
What Service Entails
- Fluid Exchange / Drain & Fill: Old Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or Manual Gear Oil is drained or fluid-flushed to remove suspended varnish and clutch material.
- Fluid Level & Re-learn: Re-filled with exact OEM-spec fluid at precise operating temperatures (often monitored via OBD scanner). Modern automatics may require a computer reset to recalibrate shift adaptives.
PTU / Transfer Case Service
Role
- Power Transfer Unit (PTU): Found in AWD vehicles (often front-wheel drive biased). It bolts to the transaxle and routes power to the rear driveshaft.
- Transfer Case: Found in traditional 4WD trucks and SUVs. Split power between the front and rear axles and often includes high/low range gearing.
What Service Entails
- Drain & Fill: Draining old heavy gear oil or special transfer case fluid. PTUs hold small fluid capacities, making regular changes vital since the fluid breaks down rapidly under intense exhaust heat.
- Magnetic Plug Cleaning: Magnetic drain plugs are cleared of fine metallic slurry.
- Seal Inspection: Checking input and output shaft seals for weeping or fluid leaks caused by thermal expansion.
Front Differential Service
Role
Allows the left and right front wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns while sending power to both.
What Service Entails
- In AWD/4WD trucks or SUVs with independent front suspensions, fluid is drained via a dedicated plug or pumped out, then refilled with fresh high-viscosity gear oil (e.g., 75W-140).
- Plug & Vent Check: Cleaning the magnetic plug and verifying the differential breather vent is clear so pressure doesn’t blow out axle seals.
Rear Differential Service
Role
Splits power between the rear left and right wheels, managing the speed difference when cornering.
What Service Entails
- Fluid Drain/Cover Removal: Fluid is drained via a plug. On solid rear axles without a drain plug, the differential cover plate is removed, draining the fluid completely.
- LSD Additive (if applicable): For Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD), a friction modifier additive is blended into the fresh gear oil to prevent clutch chatter during turns.
- Refill: Filled up to the lower edge of the fill plug hole.
Schedule Your Driveline Services
At Werner’s Import Automotive, we’re dedicated to maintaining your European or Asian import vehicle with the utmost care. Schedule your import car’s driveline services today to protect your investment, improve performance, and avoid costly repairs down the road.