Changing your all-wheel final drive oil is important to keep your drivetrain smooth. Over time, the oil loses its critical properties that prevent metal on metal contact. This is a easy do-it-yourself as long as you have the proper tools and ability to get your vehicle off the ground safely. If you are unsure of how to do this procedure, please visit a certified mechanic.
While Porsche recommends owners change the all-wheel final drive oil every 16 years or 160,000 miles, we believe this is too long. This is a cheap and easy do-it-yourself as long as you have the proper tools and ability to get your vehicle off the ground safely. Detailed steps, parts, and tools required can be found below.
Tools Required:
- Mechanic’s Tool Set
- Fluid Transfer Pump Kit
- Oil Drain Pan, 16 Quarts Capacity
- K Tool International Low Profile Jack (3.33 Ton)
- Slotted Polyurethane Jack Pad (1 required)
- ESCO 10498 Performance Jack Stands (Pair) (4 required)
- Stubby Allen Key Set (required for base model Macan)
- Metric Hex Bit Socket Set, 3mm to 10mm
- Magnetic Torx Screwdrivers Set, T5 to T40
- 3/8 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10-80 ft.-lb.)
- Plastic Pry Tool Set
- Safety Glasses
- Disposable Gloves
Parts Required:
Torque Specs & Fluid Capacities:
Oil drain plug: 44 ft-lbs
Oil fill plug: 44 ft-lbs
Front final drive oil capacity: 4.1 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area
- Starting with a cold engine, drive your car lightly for 5 minutes to get the drivetrain fluid warmed up; this will make it easier to drain the final drive oil.
- Park your car on a flat surface.
- Gather required tools and parts.
- Put on gloves and eye protection.
Step 2: Raise your vehicle to give yourself extra clearance
- If you have air suspension, simply raise your car to the highest ride height.
- If not, raise your vehicle with a lift or jack stands; it is very important your car is level during the procedure.
- If using a jack and jack stands, be sure to engage parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent your car from rolling. Give your vehicle a strong shove once it is on jack stands to make sure your vehicle is properly secured.
- NEVER rely on a jack to support your vehicle.
- Note: If you have air suspension and decided to jack up the car, you will need to lock the air suspension by starting the car and holding low suspension setting button for 10 seconds. You will see an indicator pop up on your gauge cluster.
Step 3: Remove the underbody trays
- As shown in this video from Wilnomadic, remove the front plastic under body panel, which is held on with 16 T25 torx screws and two plastic push pins.
- Use a plastic pry tool to remove the plastic push pins on the rear side of the underbody panel.
Step 4: Remove the all-wheel final drive fill bolt
- From the front of the vehicle, slide underneath and locate the all-wheel final drive fill plug on the left-hand side and toward the rear of the transmission.
- Use a 10mm hex bit and ratchet to break the fill plug loose.
- If you cannot get the fill bolt off, STOP and do not proceed with the procedure.
Step 5: Drain the all-wheel final drive oil
- Locate the drain plug on the bottom and towards the front of the transmission.
- Place a drain pan under the drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug using an 10mm hex bit and ratchet; for the base model Macan, you may need to use a stubby 10mm alley key.
- Allow the differential to drain for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Fill the all-wheel final drive with new oil
- Reinstall the drain bolt along with a new aluminum crush washer and torque it to 44 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
- Add ~4.1 liters of oil via the fill port using a fluid pump as shown in this video from BleeinJeep.
- As long as your car is level, you’ve reached capacity once the oil starts to drip.
- Install the fill bolt and torque it to 44 ft-lbs.
Step 7: Re-install everything in reverse
- Re-install the underbody panel and lower your car.
- Store the old gear oil in a plastic container, so you can take it to your nearest auto parts store to recycle.
- Clean up your workspace and put all of your tools and supplies away.
- You’re all done!
