PTU?
- Thread starter JEB
- Start date
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David Miller
Member
Power Transfer Unit (like a front dif) I had to ask when I bought my SHO
krewat
SHO Member
It's a gear box driven by the differential in the transaxle. It sends power to the RDU (Rear Differential Unit) through the driveshaft. The RDU has a clutch pack on the front of it that the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) controls to send power to the back wheels when necessary.
In my experience with my Performance Pack equipped SHOs, it sends power back there when accelerating, and seems to TAKE some power from back there on decelleration. At highway cruise, it's not supposed to put any power to the back, or so I've read.
In my experience with my Performance Pack equipped SHOs, it sends power back there when accelerating, and seems to TAKE some power from back there on decelleration. At highway cruise, it's not supposed to put any power to the back, or so I've read.
luigisho
SHO Member
A stinky mess
Even though the owners manual says not to? (I think it says that - but haven't read it for a while). Why is Ford wrong on that?PTU= oil change every 20k mile
SM105K
Streetlight Grand Prix Champ/ IG @fafomotorsports
Because they are. They didn't take in account of the cat baking the PTU for the duration every time the vehicle is started. This causes the PTU fluid to fail, and that in turns smokes the PTU. Changing the fluid every 20k ensures the PTU stays happy.
luigisho
SHO Member
It's all over the interwebs if you want a second opinion.
SM105K
Streetlight Grand Prix Champ/ IG @fafomotorsports
PTU! Understanding why it fails and ways to prevent failure.
Yes that thing. Here is a very good explanation by a member on here named Mr.HighCaliber.
"PTU's don't fail at least not from a power handling perspective. These only fail from lack of maintenance. Spun bearings and galling of the gears from lack of lubrication.
High Heat dries up the lighter oil molecules in the ****, which causes more heat due to lack of lubrication (thermal runaway) which leads to the remaining gear oil turning to thick black paste which clogs up the vent tube in the ptu which cause pressure buildup in the ptu which forces the remaining, non-congealed fluid out past the shaft seals. Now the only left is a thick paste thats easily flung off of the gears, sticking only to the case. After this chain of events, the bearings run dry and begin to fail, next are the gears. Tolerances widen or things begin to sieze. Bearing and gear noise are usually the first signs of mechanical failure.
But the PTU internals are stout. The weakest part of our powertrain is the RDU Atc coupler. (The electronic coupler in the rear differential). At least in terms of tq capacity and power handling."
The being said, you will need to change your PTU fluid.
Yes that thing. Here is a very good explanation by a member on here named Mr.HighCaliber.
"PTU's don't fail at least not from a power handling perspective. These only fail from lack of maintenance. Spun bearings and galling of the gears from lack of lubrication.
High Heat dries up the lighter oil molecules in the ****, which causes more heat due to lack of lubrication (thermal runaway) which leads to the remaining gear oil turning to thick black paste which clogs up the vent tube in the ptu which cause pressure buildup in the ptu which forces the remaining, non-congealed fluid out past the shaft seals. Now the only left is a thick paste thats easily flung off of the gears, sticking only to the case. After this chain of events, the bearings run dry and begin to fail, next are the gears. Tolerances widen or things begin to sieze. Bearing and gear noise are usually the first signs of mechanical failure.
But the PTU internals are stout. The weakest part of our powertrain is the RDU Atc coupler. (The electronic coupler in the rear differential). At least in terms of tq capacity and power handling."
The being said, you will need to change your PTU fluid.
6500rpm
Quality Always Shoots Straight
For a lack of better terms, all the PTU does is changes the dirrection of the drivetrain from front wheel drive to the driveshaft to the rear. All the magic takes place in the transaxle and the coupler contained on the front portion the RDU. The PTU neither controls or is controlled by anything. Just big clunky gears to send power to the rear that are known to change gear **** to a tar like substance over time.
Sgtmeatsauce1
2013 SHO +pp
Amsoil severe gear or redline....
Gotta pay to play.
This was one of the first fluids I got changed in addition with coolant, transmission, and oil. I usually do this around every 25k or so miles just to be safe. I only had that natural gas smell once when I initially got the PTU serviced but I'm thinking that may have been just some residual fluid burning off. My cabin also smelled like the PTU fluid for a few days.
I'm approaching 110k miles on my SHO and haven't had any issues yet. Yes, maintenance costs are more with this car but like I said, you gotta pay to play. Stay on top of maintenance (Oil, PTU, Coolant, etc.) and your car will live a long and happy life.
This was one of the first fluids I got changed in addition with coolant, transmission, and oil. I usually do this around every 25k or so miles just to be safe. I only had that natural gas smell once when I initially got the PTU serviced but I'm thinking that may have been just some residual fluid burning off. My cabin also smelled like the PTU fluid for a few days
.I'm approaching 110k miles on my SHO and haven't had any issues yet. Yes, maintenance costs are more with this car but like I said, you gotta pay to play. Stay on top of maintenance (Oil, PTU, Coolant, etc.) and your car will live a long and happy life.
