Early Maintenance Recommendation

[Hollywood1]

I just thought I would write a quick post about some maintenance that I performed yesterday. I am on my second edge ST now coming from a 2020 to a 2024. I've got about 16,500 miles currently. Yesterday I did a complete fluid change. The radiator fluid tested fine and was pretty easy to swap. The rear differential was very dark, almost black and the new fluid is a caramel color so it was definitely at the end of its life. The PTU wasn't as bad, but definitely a dark, dark brown whereas the new fluid again is a caramel color. I also figured that it would be a good idea to do a transmission drain and fill since I've been getting a hard 1-2 shift. The transmission fluid definitely had a slightly burnt smell to it and was nearly black and the new fluid is a red color. Just a heads up to anybody who is wondering about the maintenance intervals that Ford recommends, I would definitely do them early. I got all of those fluids from rock Auto for about $100. 

[Jetboy47]

I found the same on my ST at 20k for the RDU, it definitely needed changing. I bought my Edge used at 18k. I don't have a drain plug for the PTU so I sucked out half the fluid, like you the PTU fluid wasn't bad yet. I also drained 5 quarts of tranny fluid which looked fine. I'm hoping to keep it for the next ten years so I think I might just do the same every 10k as little as it costs.

[1004ron]

Doesn't the 2023 ST have a cooler that you pull to drain the PTU?

[Jetboy47]

No, mine does not have a cooler. There is a plug where the cooler would go. I tried finding a spare plug but it's often an unavailable part and it's close to $70 if you can find it.  I'm not pulling it without a spare incase there is an issue with it.

[1004ron]

Would it only be a gasket that's needed to pull and re-install the dummy cooler plug?

 

[boostededge]

PN: K2GZ-7A010-M

 

from thread -

 

[Jetboy47]

Yes a seal, but I'm not messing with it without a backup. They say you should replace the bolts too if removed (It's a kit with plug and blots). I'm still under warranty, so no matter what I'm good with pulling half of it every 10k and leave it be. Why they couldn't put a drain plug in it...frigging cost savings. 

[1004ron]

All that's needed is an O-ring - the size number is found in the thread linked above.

 

No way that the bolts are "one time use".

[Samurai Edge]

20 hours ago, 1004ron said:

No way that the bolts are "one time use".

I don't think they are " one-time use " either but Ford is being cautious.  It's like saying, on older cars, every time you change the oil you have to change the oil drain plug gasket.  Not a true statement.

 

It's very tight in there to remove that PTU cover plate without moving anything else.  I chose to buy a MityVac unit specifically for vacuuming out the gear fluid.  Sucked it almost dry.  I used another MityVac unit, so I didn't have to clean them in-between same-time uses for the PTU, to pump the new gear oil in.  Took the correct amount of fluid as specified in the manuals.  ( That's why I said it sucked it dry )

 

And, of course, a lot less messier.

 

[Hollywood1]

My 2024 has the cooler, and I used the suction method to get the fluid out. I wanted to remove the cooler but the studs to remove it are basically impossible to get a socket or wrench on so I gave up. 

[STBEAST]

My 2024 has the cooler as well. There was a previous thread where someone pulled the cooler out just enough to let the fluid drain out and put it back in using the same studs and o ring.  One disadvantage to the cooler: it takes up more space in the ptu, reducing fluid capacity. Not sure how beneficial circulation 200 degree (plus) through the cooler could do much to help.