Easy to overfill, difficult to drain CX-9 AWD transfer assembly.
Issues like this CX-9 AWD transfer assembly reinforce the need for accurate updated information when servicing the modern vehicle. Correctly filling transmissions and driveline components is straightforward, but the fill level required is anything but. With such a vast array of transmissions, transfers and final drives in the marketplace, you’re sure to come unstuck when checking and filling if you don’t have the data at hand. The Mazda CX-9 transfer case filling is one such example.
There are two types of transfer assemblies used; in this case we have labelled one Type A and the other Type B. From the images you can see that Type B is straightforward fill to the filler plug, and the level is correct. Type A however requires that the fill level be 89mm below the filler plug. This is achieved by using a cable tile appropriately bent to act as a dipstick.
Overfilling this Type A transfer will result in oil being pushed out of the breather vent, and a very unhappy customer.
You’ll note there isn’t a drain procedure in either Type A or Type B. This is because the only way to drain the transfer unit is to remove it and invert the unit, using the filler hole to drain the oil, which takes over two hours to carry out.
