2020 Ford Edge RDU Fluid Replacement Observations

[MLLI18]

I just replaced the PDU fluid in my 2020 Edge and wanted to detail my experience. I bought it new (Titanium with the Elite Package) and am trying to maximize its life by replacing all the fluids I can regularly.  I had the PTU fluid replaced at a dealership when I went for a warranty issue with the touchscreen at 30000 mi.  I bought the M/C fluid and decided to have Ford replace it, I paid 45 bucks for the fluid and Ford charged 130 for the change.  For the RDU @ 36000 mi, I decided to replace the fluid. I didn't jack up the car, I just crawled under and kept it level.  To remove the filler plug on the rear diff, I had to buy a slim "3/8" "breaker bar" from AMZ for ten bucks because there was very little clearance between a rear cross member and the fill plug.  With this small wrench, I could remove the filler plug using a small pipe for leverage with no problem.  The drain was easily accessible with a 3/8" rachet.  The drain plug had a good amount of debris on the magnet and the fluid was very dark but I guess this is normal for break-in as my Subaru Forester had the RDU fluid in a similar condition at the same mileage when I changed it.  I used Permatex high temp on the plugs and pumped the new fluid from the oil bottle using a screw-on pump from AMZ that worked great. I used about 3/4 of a Qt. which makes sense because the capacity is 28 oz +/- 1oz.  I filled it until it started draining from the fill plug. Then I torqued the drain plug to 20 ft-lbs and used Permatex high temp on threads.  Hope this helps - Peace.

[Wubster100]

Thanks for sharing. I would like to replace my fluid soon.

[Biker]

On 9/28/2024 at 9:36 PM, MLLI18 said:

I just replaced the PDU fluid in my 2020 Edge and wanted to detail my experience. I bought it new (Titanium with the Elite Package) and am trying to maximize its life by replacing all the fluids I can regularly.  I had the PTU fluid replaced at a dealership when I went for a warranty issue with the touchscreen at 30000 mi.  I bought the M/C fluid and decided to have Ford replace it, I paid 45 bucks for the fluid and Ford charged 130 for the change.  For the RDU @ 36000 mi, I decided to replace the fluid. I didn't jack up the car, I just crawled under and kept it level.  To remove the filler plug on the rear diff, I had to buy a slim "3/8" "breaker bar" from AMZ for ten bucks because there was very little clearance between a rear cross member and the fill plug.  With this small wrench, I could remove the filler plug using a small pipe for leverage with no problem.  The drain was easily accessible with a 3/8" rachet.  The drain plug had a good amount of debris on the magnet and the fluid was very dark but I guess this is normal for break-in as my Subaru Forester had the RDU fluid in a similar condition at the same mileage when I changed it.  I used Permatex high temp on the plugs and pumped the new fluid from the oil bottle using a screw-on pump from AMZ that worked great. I used about 3/4 of a Qt. which makes sense because the capacity is 28 oz +/- 1oz.  I filled it until it started draining from the fill plug. Then I torqued the drain plug to 20 ft-lbs and used Permatex high temp on threads.  Hope this helps - Peace.

Thanks for the write-up. I'm doing mine tomorrow while I have it in the air for the trans fluid. 

Edited Tuesday at 12:49 PM by Biker

[chipdog4]

Yeah, there's very little clearance for a tool to get the fill plug out.

Here's what I had and used when I do mine.

 

 

 

[MLLI18]

Socket cap set hmm - I was trying to figure out what tool to search for, good to know.  I saw a serpentine belt wrench at Harbor Freight that would work too.

[Biker]

I used an extension with a wobble drive ball end. No need to try and fit between the plug and crossmember. You can also pry the RDU itself down a bit on its rubber mounts to get a better shot at it.