PTU and RDU fluid spec sheets

[beaudointl]

Thanks for this helpful post, I plan to change my PTU and RDU fluids soon (I'm at 30k miles now). I have the 1.5 not the 2.0, does anyone know if the fluids are the same?

Yes, same fluid spec for both engines. I've attached Ford's spec sheet for reference.

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[FrigateOrpheon]

Thanks for this post. I decided to get my RDU gear oil, on my 22 Badlands changed but made a mistake (?) and only ordered a quart, thinking it only took .5 quarts, so I told my mechanic to save the old oil, just in case. After draining the old oil, the new oil was coming out the fill hole after about .8 qts was added. The paper work you showed says it takes 1.23 qts so I'm not sure what happened but so far no problem, on the 20 mile drive home.

Sorry for the late reply. Everything still running well? And I believe that's about how much I got out of mine too. 1.23 qt. is likely max fill from a bone dry unit and you'll never be able to get the entirety of the fluid out without a total disassembly, much like doing a transmission fluid change. Sounds like you got it right.

 

[GJarrett]

Update: I'm changing fluids today. I watched a youtube video to help and have read other threads, which mentioned that Ford commonly underfills the PTU unit. I can confirm that. I don't know how much drained out of mine but it could not have been much over a cupful, if that much. The fill plug was completely dry like it had never been touched by the gear oil. I highly recommend that everyone change their PTU fluid ASAP if for no other reason than to make sure it has enough fluid in it.

 

[Gapbriel]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the info in this thread, it has been really helpful.

I have a question about service intervals for the drivetrain fluids. My Bronco Sport is getting close to 50k miles / 80,000 km, and I’m trying to decide whether it would be a good idea to change the RDU fluid, PTU fluid, and automatic transmission fluid now, or wait a bit longer.

For context, I drive the vehicle on sand about 2–3 times per month throughout the year. I already checked my RDU vent hose and it looks good. I don’t have any noises, chatter, shudder, or other symptoms, but I’m curious what real-world interval people here are using for these fluids, especially with regular sand/off-road use.

A couple of questions:

1. How often are you changing the RDU fluid?
2. How often are you changing the PTU fluid?
3. How often are you changing the automatic transmission fluid?
4. When changing the RDU fluid, does the RDU vent hose need to be replaced every time, or only if it is the older/incorrect version, damaged, or contaminated?

I know Ford’s official maintenance schedule may not be very specific on some of this, so I’m mostly looking for practical experience from owners and mechanics.

Thanks in advance!

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