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Transfer Case - Servicing Cadillac Escalade GMT800

Transfer Case 12 illustrations ~1460 words

APPLICATION

ApplicationTransfer Case Model (RPO Code)
Escalade & Yukon DenaliBW 4481 (NR3)
Escalade ESV
1-Speed AWDBW 4481 (NR3)
2-Speed 4WDBW 4482 (NR4)
Escalade EXT
1-Speed AWDBW 4481 (NR3)
2-Speed 4WD AutomaticNVG 246 (NP8)
Yukon
1-Speed AWDBW 4481 (NR3)
2-Speed 4WDBW 4482 (NR4)
2-Speed 4WD AutomaticNVG 246 (NP8)
Yukon XL
2-Speed 4WDBW 4482 (NR4)
2-Speed 4WD AutomaticNVG 246 (NP8)

TRANSFER CASE APPLICATION

SERVICE INTERVALS

Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, check front axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary. On manual shift transfer case, oil the control lever pivot point. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper installation. More frequent lubrication may be required on off-road use.

CHECKING FLUID LEVELS

Remove filler plug located on rear of transfer case. Fluid should be within 0.2" (5 mm) of bottom of filler plug hole. If fluid is low, fill with proper type fluid. See RECOMMENDED FLUIDS. Ensure fluid is level with filler plug opening. (Scheme 1) Reinstall filler plug. Tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Scheme 1: CHECKING FLUID LEVELS

RECOMMENDED FLUIDS

ApplicationFluid Type
BW 4481 (NR3) & BW 4482 (NR4)DEXRON-III Fluid (GM P/N 12346143)
NVG 246-NP8Auto-Trak II Fluid (GM P/N 12378508)

TRANSFER CASE FLUID TYPE

FLUID CAPACITIES

ApplicationQts. (L)
BW 4481 (NR3) & BW 4482 (NR4)1.5 (1.4)
NVG 246 (NP8)2.0 (1.9)
(1) Approximate capacity is listed.
(1)Approximate capacity is listed.

TRANSFER CASE FLUID CAPACITIES (1)

DRAINING & REFILLING

Note. When performing the following procedure, use only hand tools to remove and install the drain and fill plugs.

  1. Raise and support vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  3. Remove filler plug located on rear of transfer case. (Scheme 1)
  4. Remove drain plug from bottom of transfer case. NOTE: Ensure an approved drain pan is used when draining the transfer case.
  5. Allow fluid to drain. CAUTION: Use only drain and fill plugs that are made from aluminum. Steel or brass plugs are not compatible with the magnesium case.
  6. To refill, apply Sealant (GM P/N 12346004), or equivalent to the threads of the BW 4481 and BW 4482 transfer case drain and fill plugs. NOTE: Only apply drain plug and fill plug sealant to the BW 4481 and BW 4482 transfer cases. The NVG 246 transfer case does not use thread sealant.
  7. Reinstall drain plug. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  8. Fill transfer case through oil filler plug hole to specified capacity using recommended fluid. See «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__recommended-fluids) and «FLUID CAPACITIES»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__fluid-capacities).
  9. Install oil fill plug and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  10. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  11. Lower vehicle.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WARNINGVehicle is equipped with Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system. When servicing vehicle, use care to avoid accidental air bag deployment. SIR system-related components are located in various locations throughout interior and exterior of vehicle, depending on application. Do not use electrical test equipment on or near these circuits. If necessary, deactivate SIR system before servicing components. See appropriate AIR BAG DEACTIVATION PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION.
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
CAUTIONUse the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

ENCODER MOTOR (NVG 246)

Note. If the encoder motor is being replaced, ensure that the transfer case is in the neutral position. Manually shift the transfer case at the shift shaft, using a crescent wrench if necessary.

Removal

  1. Raise and support vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  3. Remove the front drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.
  4. Disconnect the transfer case switch electrical connector (2). (Scheme 2)
  5. Disconnect the encoder motor electrical connector (7).
  6. Remove the encoder motor bolts. (Scheme 3)
  7. Remove the encoder motor.
  8. Remove the actuator insulator gasket.
  9. If replacing the encoder motor, remove the locating pins from the old motor.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2
Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

Installation

Note. When installing the encoder motor, ensure that the encoder motor is indexed correctly and the motor is flat against the transfer case before tightening the bolts. A NEW encoder motor does NOT come with locating pins.

  1. Install the locating pins to the NEW encoder motor.
  2. Position a NEW actuator insulator gasket to the transfer case.
  3. Install the encoder motor. NOTE: When tightening encoder motor bolts, start with the bolt by the harness and continue in a clockwise order until finished.
  4. Install encoder motor bolts. (Scheme 3) Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  5. Connect the encoder motor electrical connector (7). (Scheme 2)
  6. Connect the transfer case switch electrical connector (2).
  7. Install the front drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.
  8. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  9. Lower vehicle.
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  3. Disconnect the front (5), left rear (4) or right rear (3) speed sensor electrical connector. (Scheme 2)
  4. Remove the speed sensor.
  1. Install the speed sensor. Tighten the speed sensor to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  2. Connect the front (5), left rear (4) or right rear (3) speed sensor electrical connector. (Scheme 2)
  3. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  4. Lower the vehicle.

OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL (FRONT)

Note. Tools required: Driver Handle (J-8092) and Output Shaft Seal Installer (J-43484).

Note. The front output shaft seal is a two piece internal seal. The inner seal race is a force fit on the front output shaft.

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  3. Remove the front drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES. NOTE: The front output shaft seal is a two piece internal seal. The inner seal race is a force fit on the front output shaft.
  4. Remove the front output shaft seal by inserting a flat-tipped screwdriver behind the inner race of the seal. (Scheme 4)
  5. Pry the inner seal race forward.
  6. Using a small pry bar, move the inner seal race forward on the front output shaft.
  7. Remove the inner seal race from the front output shaft. (Scheme 5)
  8. Insert a flat-tipped screwdriver or small pry bar into the space between the lip of the outer race of the seal and the transfer case. (Scheme 4)
  9. Remove the remaining part of the output shaft seal from the transfer case.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5
  1. Install the output shaft seal installer (2) to the driver handle (1). (Scheme 6)
  2. Install a NEW seal onto output shaft seal installer (2).
  3. Using output shaft seal installer (2) and driver handle (1), install the seal.
  4. Install the front drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.
  5. Check the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. See «DRAINING & REFILLING»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__draining-refilling) under LUBRICATION.
  6. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  7. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL (REAR)

Note. Tools required for BW 4481 and BW 4482 transfer cases: Output Shaft Seal Installer (J-45756).

Note. Tools required for NVG 246 transfer case: Seal Installer (J-37668-A) and Transfer Case Rear Bushing Remover/Installer (J-45380).

Note. Besides needing different tools, the NVG 246 transfer case requires servicing on the rear output shaft bushing.

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  3. Remove the rear drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.
  4. Remove the rear output shaft seal by prying it out with a flat tipped screwdriver. (Scheme 7)
  5. Inspect the NVG 246 transfer case rear output shaft bushing for scoring or wear.
  6. Remove the NVG 246 transfer case rear output shaft bushing if required, using the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer. (Scheme 8) Complete the following: Install the finger section of the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer in front of the bushing. Install the tube and forcing screw to the finger section. Ensure the forcing screw is backed out. Using a wrench on the forcing screw, remove the rear output shaft bushing.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7
Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 8
Scheme 8
  1. Using the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer, install a NEW output shaft bushing on the NVG 246 transfer case. (Scheme 8) Complete the following: Install the bushing or the finger section of the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer. Install the finger section to the main body of the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer. Position the bushing and tool to the case. Using a hammer and the transfer case rear bushing remover/installer, install the bushing. NOTE: Ensure the drain hole on the boot of the NVG 246 transfer case rear output shaft seal is facing down toward the ground.
  2. Using appropriate output shaft seal installer, install a NEW front output shaft seal. (Scheme 9)
  3. Install the rear drive shaft. See appropriate DRIVE SHAFTS & UNIVERSAL JOINTS article in DRIVELINE/AXLES.
  4. Check the fluid level. Add fluid, if necessary. See «DRAINING & REFILLING»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__draining-refilling) under LUBRICATION.
  5. Install the transfer case shield, if equipped. See «TRANSFER CASE SHIELD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__transfer-case-shield).
  6. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9
Scheme 9
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Disconnect the speed sensor electrical connector (4). (Scheme 10)
  3. Remove the speed sensor and "O" ring, discard the "O" ring. (Scheme 11)

Scheme 10

Scheme 10
Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 11
Scheme 11
  1. Install the speed sensor with a NEW "O" ring. (Scheme 11) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  2. Connect the speed sensor electrical connector (4). (Scheme 10)
  3. Lower vehicle

TRANSFER CASE SHIELD

Note. The 1500 series uses bolts and the 2500 series uses screws to hold the transfer case shield in position. Both the bolts and screws require the same tightening specifications.

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the transfer case shield bolts/screws and shield. (Scheme 12)

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
Scheme 12
  1. Position the transfer case shield and install the bolts/screws. (Scheme 12) Tighten bolts/screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt800-2001-2006/remont/transfer-case/#transfer-case-servicing__torque-specifications).
  2. Lower the vehicle.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Drain & Fill Plugs
BW 4481 & BW 448218 (25)
NVG 24615 (20)
Encoder Motor Bolts15 (20)
Transfer Case Shield Bolts15 (20)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Speed Sensors
BW 4481 & BW 4482150 (17)
NVG 246133 (15)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

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