Every mechanism vehicle, in which there are rubbing parts (which include the transfer case), need (and, accordingly, its regular replacement for trouble-free movement).
Let us note that both the design and the method of operation of transfer cases can differ significantly from each other, therefore, the choice of lubricant must be approached very carefully, preferably having first studied the operating diagram of the transfer case of your car.
In this article we will look at what types of oils there are and which variable speed transfer cases they are suitable for.
The transmission oil must be changed every one hundred thousand kilometers of the vehicle.
Important! The resource largely depends on operating conditions. If you often travel in dusty areas and off-road, then replacement should be done more often (once every 4 months). Also take note, if you crossed a ford where the water level was higher than the breathers, then you need to change the oil as quickly as possible.
Electronic transfer cases need to replace the lubricant every 70 thousand kilometers.
Note that frequent off-road driving, slipping and other “obstacles” to normal movement, negatively affect the level of oil oxidation and also lead to wear of the friction discs.
How to choose
Today there are two types lubricating oils for the transfer case: ATF fluid and transmission oil V transfer case. As a rule, in those vehicles on which it is installed, you need to fill the transmission, and in those with an automatic transmission, ATF.
Note that for modern vehicles, manufacturers recommend using GL-5 class transmission oils. They do an excellent job of protecting hypoid gears, and also cope well during movement (because they contain shockproof additives).
Also, its viscosity plays an important role in choosing a lubricant for the transfer case. Take, for example, the value “80W90”:
- W - this means that the material is all-season;
- 80 – viscosity level values at low temperatures;
- 90 – viscosity at high temperatures.
If your car is suitable for ATF fluid, then it is recommended to buy original materials recommended by the manufacturer. As a last resort, an analogue that has all the necessary approvals is suitable.
What kind of oil and how much to fill
Transmission lubricants should be divided into several qualifications, namely:
- SAE J306 – classification regarding viscosity. This indicator indicates viscosity (namely, how it will react to severe frost or heat). It is worth saying that lubricants under this designation are all-season.
- API GL - this indicator talks about separation lubricants for transfer case in quality. The indicators differ in the level of performance, the level of anti-foam, antioxidant, and anti-wear additives. API GL 3 oils are suitable for all-wheel drive vehicles. API GL 4 – perfectly compatible with transfer cases installed on the following TZ UAZ, NIVA, Opel Frontera, Mitsubishi Pajero II, Toyota Land Cruiser 90. API GL 5 is considered the leader in quality - they are the ones that are best suited for the newest specifications.
How to choose
Transmission oil for the transfer case of your vehicle should be selected based on the climatic conditions where the car is operated. If in your region the air temperature often drops by more than 30 degrees Celsius, then it is recommended to turn your attention to lubricants 70-75W (the latter indicator is suitable for very severe frosts).
For regions with a temperate climate, a lubricant designated 80W is suitable. If you are constantly in a region where high temperatures are pleasant, then turn your attention to 75W90 lubricant.
Well, now you know what kind of oil you need to select and what it is. We have done our best and also conducted our own investigations to determine for various vehicles.
In the future, we wish you to be as careful as possible and, having certain knowledge, trust exclusively yourself, and not sellers (who, as a rule, are distinguished by their verbosity and the gift of persuading people). Trust only yourself!
We really hope that this article was useful to you and allowed you to draw certain conclusions. We wish you happy shopping and happy travels!
Since the transfer case contains rubbing elements, wear products inevitably appear in it over time. If you do not change the oil in the transfer case in a timely manner, its service life will be reduced. The oil loses performance and fine particles increase gear wear.
How often to change
There are several different types of transfer cases, and depending on the type of mechanism, the frequency of replacement can vary significantly. Usually this information is contained in the technical documentation for the car and varies in the range from 50 to 100 thousand kilometers.
In addition, operating conditions affect the service life. The transfer case of a car that drives on public roads experiences much less load than that installed on a car that constantly moves off-road.
How to choose
Two types of fluid are poured into the transfer case: transmission oil or ATF fluid. On cars with an automatic transmission, ATF is usually filled into the transfer case, and on cars with a manual transmission, the transmission is filled. In this case, often the liquids must match or be completely compatible.
This is due to the fact that usually the connection between the transfer case and the gearbox is made by a single shaft, or one is attached to the body of the other. When mixing liquids, this will avoid the formation of emulsions, foaming and other side effects.
For most modern cars having a transfer case, the manufacturer recommends using GL-5 class gear oils. They protect hypoid gears well, are designed to operate in the most heavily loaded mechanisms and contain extreme pressure additives.
The viscosity characteristics of oils play an important role. Let's look at the meaning of the numbers using 80W90 oil as an example:
- 80 – viscosity at low temperatures
- W – all-season
- 90 – viscosity at high temperatures
If ATF is used, it is better to fill in the original fluid recommended by the manufacturer, or an analogue that has the appropriate approvals. 
What and how much to fill
The table below will allow you to select oil by car brand and find out how much is required.
| Automobile | Oil | Volume (l) |
|---|---|---|
| AUDI | ||
| audi q7 (audi q7) | G052162A2, 4014835712317 Ravenol ATF 5/4 HP | 0,85 |
| BMW | ||
| BMW x5 e53 (bmw x5 e53) | BMW 83 22 9 407 858 "ATF D-III, ATS-500 83220397244 | 1 |
| BMW x5 e70 (bmw x5 e70) | 83 22 0 397 244, Multi DCTF, Motylgear 75W80 | 1 |
| BMW x3 e83 (bmw x3 e83) | 83229407858 | 1 |
| BMW x3 f25 (bmw x3 f25) | BMW Verteilergetriebe 4WD TF 0870 (83 22 0 397 244) | 0,6 |
| GAS | ||
| gas 66 | TAp-15V, TSp-15K, TSp-Mgip, 80W90 Gl-4 | 1,5 |
| GREAT WALL | ||
| great wall hover ( Great wall hover) | Dexron III | 1,6 |
| JEEP | ||
| Jeep Grand Cherokee ( Jeep Grand Cherokee) | Mopar 05016796AC | 2 |
| INFINITI | ||
| Infiniti fx35 (Infiniti fx35) | Nissan Matic D - KE908-99931 | 2 |
| KAMAZ | ||
| KAMAZ 43118 | TSp-15K | 5,4 |
| KIA | ||
| Kia Sorento ( kia sorento) | Dexron II, III (IDEMITSU Multi ATF, GT ATF TYPE Multi Vehicle IV) | 2 |
| Kia Sorento 2 (kia sorento 2) | Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus 75W90, RAVENOL TGO 75W90 | 0,6 |
| Kia Sportage 1 ( kia sportage 1) | API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 | 1 |
| Kia Sportage 2 | 75W90 GL-5 (Mobil Mobilube HD 75W90 GL-5, Castrol 4008177071768 "Syntrax Longlife 75W-90) | 0,8 |
| Kia Sportage 3 | HYPOID GEAR OIL API GL-5, SAE 75W/90 | 0,6 |
| Kia Sorento TOD | Shell Spirax S4 ATF HDX, MOBIL ATF LT 71141 | 2 |
| Kia Sorento Part-Time | ATF Dexron III | 2 |
| RANGE ROVER | ||
| Land Rover Discovery 3 ( range rover Discovery 3) | SAF-XO 75W-90, Syntrax Longlife 75W-90 | 1,5 |
| Land Rover Discovery 4 (range rover Discovery 4) | Tl7300-Shell Tf0753 | |
| Land Rover Freelander 2 (range rover freelander 2) | API GL5, SAE 90 | |
| Land Rover Defender ( Land Rover Defender) | 75W-140 GL-5 | 2,3 |
| LEXUS | ||
| Lexus rx300/330 (Lexus rx300/330) | 85W-90, CASTROL TAF-X 75W-90 | 1 |
| MERCEDES | ||
| Mercedes GLK (Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class) | dispenser in a box | |
| Mercedes ml 163 (mercedes ml 163) | 236.13 #A001989230310, Motul Multi ATF | 2 |
| Mercedes w163 (Mercedes-Benz w163) | A 001 989 21 03 10 | 1,5 |
| Mercedes w164 (Mercedes-Benz w164) | A0019894503 | 0,5 |
| MAZDA | ||
| mazda cx 5 | GL-5 80W-90, MOBIL Mobilube HD 80w-90 GL-5 | 0,5 |
| mazda cx 7 | 80W90 API GL-4/GL-5 | 2 |
| MITSUBISHI | ||
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ( mitsubishi pajero sport) | Castrol TAF-X 75W-90 | 3 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander 3, xl ( mitsubishi outlander 3, xl) | 80W90 GL-5, 75W90 GL-5 | 0,5 |
| mitsubishi l200 (mitsubishi l200) | GL-3 75W-85, GL-4 75W-85 | 2,5 |
| Mitsubishi Pajero 2 (mitsubishi pajero 2) | 75W85GL4 | 2,8 |
| Mitsubishi Pajero 3 (mitsubishi pajero 3) | GL-5 80W-90, Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W-90 | 3 |
| Mitsubishi Pajero 4 (mitsubishi pajero 4) | ENEOS GEAR GL-5 75W-90 | 2,8 |
| Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Castrol TAF-X 75W-90 | 3 |
| Mitsubishi Delica | 75W90 Gl-4 | 1,6 |
| NIVA | ||
| Niva 2121/21213/21214 (VAZ 2121/21213/21214) | Lukoil TM-5 (75W-90, 80W-90, 85W-90), TNK Trans Gipoid (80W-90), Shell Transaxle Oil (75W-90) | 0,8 |
| NISSAN | ||
| Nissan x trail t31 (nissan x trail t31) | Nissan Differential Fluid (KE907-99932), Castrol Syntrax universal plus 75w90 GL-4/GL-5 | 0,35 |
| Nissan Qashqai | NISSAN Differential Fluid SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 | 0,4 |
| Nissan Pathfinder r51 (Nissan Pathfinder r51) | Nissan Matic-D, Dexron III | 2,6 |
| Nissan Terrano | SAE75W90 GL-4, GL-5 | 2 |
| Nissan Teana | GL-5 80W90 | 0,38 |
| nissan murano z51 ( Nissan Murano z51) | Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid SuperGL-5 80W-90 | 0,3 |
| OPEL | ||
| Opel Antara | GL-5 75W90 | 0,8 |
| Opel Mokka | GM 93165693, MOBILUBE 1 SHC 75W-90, Motul GEAR 300 75W-90 | 1 |
| PORSCHE | ||
| Porsche Cayenne ( Porsche Cayenne) Hang-on | Shell TF0870, RAVENOL Transfer Fluid TF-0870 | 0,9 |
| Porsche Cayenne Torsen | Castrol BOT 850, Burmah BOT 850 | 0,9 |
| RENAULT | ||
| Renault Duster 2.0 4x4 ( renault duster 2.0 4x4) | Elf TransElf Type B 80W90 | 0,75 |
| Renault Koleos | Elf TransElf Type B 80W-90, Total Transmission rs fe 80w-90 | 1,5 |
| SUZUKI | ||
| Suzuki Escudo | SAE 75W-90, 80W-90 API GL-4 | 1,7 |
| Suzuki Grand Vitara | 75W-90 API GL-4, SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 | 1,6 |
| Suzuki CX4 | TAF-X | 0,6 |
| SSANGYONG | ||
| SsangYong Kyron ( SsangYong Kyron) automatic transmission | Dexron IID, III | 1,3 |
| SsangYong Kyron manual transmission | 80W90 API GL-4/GL-5 | 1,4 |
| SUBARU | ||
| Subaru Forester | no transfer case, reduction gear in the box | |
| TOYOTA | ||
| Toyota Hilux | API GL3 75W-90 | 1 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 120/150/200 (Toyota Land Cruiser prado 120/150/200) | GL-5 75W90 Toyota Gear oil | 1,4 |
| toyota rav 4 | Toyota Synthetic Gear Oil API GL4/GL5, SAE 75W-90 | |
| Toyota Highlander | LT 75W-85 GL-5 TOYOTA | 0,5 |
| UAZ | ||
| UAZ Patriot | SAE 75W/90 according to API GL-3, TSp-15K, TAP-15V, TAD-17I | 0,7 |
| UAZ 469 | TAD-17, 80W90 Gl-5, 85W90 GL-5 | 0,7 |
| UAZ Hunter | SAE 75W/90 according to API GL-3 | 0,7 |
| URAL | ||
| Ural 4320 | TSp-15K | 3,5 |
| FORD | ||
| Ford Explorer 2013 ( ford explorer 2013) | Motul 75w140 | 0,4 |
| ford kuga ( ford kuga) | SAE 75W-90 | 0,5 |
| ford kuga 2 | SAE 75W140 | 0,4 |
| Ford Maverick | SAE 75W140 | 2 |
| Ford Explorer 5 | SAE 75W140 (Castrol Syntrax Limited Slip 75w140) | 0,4 |
| VOLKSWAGEN | ||
| Volkswagen Amarok | G052533A2, Castrol Transmax Z | 1,25 |
| Volkswagen Touareg | VAG G052515A2, Castrol Transmax Z | 0,85 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | G 052 145 S2 | 1 |
| HYUNDAI | ||
| Hyundai ix35 (Hyundai ix35) | 75W90 | 1 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7 ( Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7) | Shell Spirax AXME 75W90 | 1 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 80W90 GL-4/Gl-5 (Shell Spirax S3 AX 80W-90), 75W90 GL-5 (Сastrol Syntrax Universal 75W-90) | 0,8 |
| HONDA | ||
| Honda CR-V | transfer case combined with gearbox | |
| CHEVROLET | ||
| Chevrolet Niva | 80W-90 GL-4, 75W-90 | 0,8 |
| Chevrolet Captiva | GL-5 75W90 | 0,8 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Dexron VI (GM Dexron 6, Spirax S3 ATF MD3, Chevron ATF MD3, AC Delco auto trak II) | 2 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | GM Auto-Trak II | 2 |
Check level
On most cars, inspection windows are not provided to check the oil level in the transfer case. Level control and replacement is carried out through the filler hole.
To check, you need to place the car on a flat surface and unscrew the filler bolt, or the control bolt, if any. Usually they are made with a quad or hexagon, or with a wrench. 
A normal level is just below the fill/check hole.
The need for replacement is determined by taking a small amount of oil. This can be done using a syringe with a flexible tube attached to the end. Black, cloudy, with traces of wear and tear, must be replaced.
How to change
The replacement procedure itself is simple, but is often complicated by the fact that access to the filler hole is difficult. A lift, inspection pit or overpass is also required.
Some car enthusiasts make their own drainer in the handout to make the procedure as easy as possible complete replacement oils To do this, a hole is drilled at the bottom point for the plug and a thread is cut.
You will need:
- Special syringe for pumping technical fluids(cost 500-800 rubles). You can use a medical one, but due to its small volume, the replacement process will be significantly delayed. It’s up to you to decide what’s more valuable – time or money.
- Transfer case oil (transmission/ATF) recommended by the manufacturer or having the appropriate specification.
- Gasket sealant, degreasing liquid.
To prevent dirt from getting inside the transfer case, you should clean the surfaces before unscrewing the plugs.
There is a drain hole
If your car is equipped with a drain plug, you need to unscrew the bolt and wait until the oil drains out completely. The magnet on the plug should be cleaned of wear debris. Degrease the drain hole and plug, apply a layer of sealant and screw the plug into place.
Using a syringe, fill the transfer case with oil until it flows over the edge of the filler hole, then screw the plug onto the sealant.
No drain
In this case, all operations are performed through the filler hole. A syringe tube is inserted into it and the oil is pumped out as much as possible. The procedure for filling new oil is no different from that described above.
Transmission oil is a technical fluid used to protect the gearbox mechanism, transfer case and drive axles from wear.
It forms a stable film on the rubbing parts, which prevents the destruction of parts during friction.
The oil is obtained through the process of refining and refining petroleum products with the addition of various additives that improve lubricating properties and prevent the destruction of the protective film.
Replacement frequency
IN service book It is indicated that the oil in the transfer case, gearbox and axles should be changed at the first, fourth and eighth maintenance. This corresponds to mileage of 2000, 45,000 and 105,000 km. After this, the transmission is changed every 45,000 km.
Important: Oil service life depends on operating conditions. If the machine is driven a lot off-road or used in a climate with large temperature changes, the lubricant should be changed more often.
The frequency of replacement is not related to seasonality. The transmission does not need to be changed on the eve of summer or winter.
What kind of oil should I use?
Lubricants consist of a base (base) and additives. Their chemical and physical properties depend on the composition and origin of these components.
According to the method of manufacturing the base, the transmission is divided into three types:
Synthetic gear oil differs from mineral and semi-synthetic oil in that its viscosity changes less with temperature changes. This reduces wear on transmission parts when winter operation Chevrolet Niva. But “synthetics”, due to their greater fluidity, seep through worn gearbox seals more easily.
However main characteristic lubricants - viscosity. This is what is indicated in the operating instructions. The manufacturing company recommends filling in the following types of gear oils (according to SAE):
- Transfer case and gearbox - 75W-90, 80W-85, 80W-90.
- Drive axles (front and rear) - 80W-90, 85W90.
Important: It is not allowed to fill the gearbox with a transmission of the popular API GL-5 quality standard. The sulfur-phosphorus and extreme pressure additives that are included in its composition disrupt the operation of synchronizers.
Therefore, API GL4 and GL4/GL5 must be poured into the gearbox, and GL4/GL5 and GL5 into the axles and transfer case.
There are dozens of gear oil brands on the market. The most famous imported ones are Castrol, Liqui Moly, Mobile, Shell, from domestic ones - Lukoil and Rosneft.
Prices for a liter bottle start from 400 rubles.
The Lukoil company is the official partner of AvtoVAZ. It is this brand of semi-synthetics that is poured into the transmission during the production of the Chevrolet Niva.
Changing oil in transmission units
Before starting work, you need to stock up on a sufficient amount of transmission.
Each of the units holds the corresponding volume:
- Gearbox - 1.6 l;
- Transfer case - 0.79 l;
- The front and rear axles are 1.15 and 1.3 liters, respectively.
You can immediately buy 5 liters of 80W-90 transmission that meets the GL4/GL5 quality standard. It is suitable for all transmission units.
You also need to stock up flushing oil, which allows you to get rid of oxidation products and decomposition of lubricant components.
Changing the gearbox oil
To carry out the work you will need:
The transmission is replaced on an overpass or inspection pit. Otherwise, it will be difficult to get to the drain plug at the gearbox. Order of operations:
- Warm up the engine to operating temperature. In this case, the oil will have proper fluidity and will completely drain from the crankcase.
- Place a container for collecting waste under the gearbox drain hole.
- Use a rag to clean the areas around the drain and fill plugs.
- Using a 17mm wrench, unscrew the oil filler plug. This will allow air to enter the gearbox housing.
- Use a hexagon to unscrew the drain plug.
- Wait for the entire transmission to drain from the crankcase.
- Use a rag to clean any chips from the magnetic drain plug.
- Fill in a liter of flushing oil.
- Start the engine and let it run for 3-5 minutes. At this time, you can change gears by squeezing the clutch.
- Stop the engine and drain the flushing oil.
- Tighten the drain plug.
- Using a funnel, pour the new transmission into the drain hole.
- Twist filler plug.
- Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes.
- Stop the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, top up the transmission.
Video instructions for changing the oil in the Shnivy gearbox:
Changing the oil in the transfer case
In addition to the keys, rag and waste container listed in the previous section, you will need a refill syringe. The oil in the transfer case is changed when the engine is warm. There is no need to change the transmission on a street overpass in the cold - the fluid will quickly cool down, thicken and not completely drain from the transfer case.
Replacement procedure:
Changing the oil in Chevrolet Niva axles
Considering the location of the filler holes, you need to unscrew the plug with a socket head and a wrench, and not with a regular wrench. Otherwise, the set of required tools and materials is the same as that needed to change the oil in the transfer case:
- 3 liters of gear oil;
- hexagon 12;
- rag;
- refill syringe;
- container for processing.
The procedure for replacing the transmission in the front and rear axles looks like that:
Changing transmission oil does not require special skills and abilities. Even a novice driver with no car repair experience can perform this operation. You just need to follow the instructions described above and be sure to fill the transmission with the appropriate viscosity and quality.
The transfer gearbox, like any mechanism whose design contains rubbing pairs, requires periodic oil changes. Since they can vary significantly, you should carefully choose the transmission fluid. Let's look at how to change the oil in the transfer case with your own hands.
Classification of oils
Main types of classification of transmission oils:
Some manufacturers, along with API GL and SAE J306, indicate the MIL specification, which only shows oil compliance with the requirements of the US Military Department.
How to choose oil
The transmission should be selected according to the climatic conditions in which the car is used. If in the region of operation the temperature often drops below -30ºС, then oils with a low temperature rating of 70W are recommended (75W is also acceptable, but especially severe frosts the oil will be too thick before it warms up). In areas where the specified temperature barrier is not achievable, 75W should be used. For regions with a temperate climate, 80W is also suitable. As for the high temperature indicator according to SAE, for civilian SUVs and passenger cars the following values are quite suitable: 80.90 (for example, 75W90).
If you want to change the transfer case oil with your own hands, then information about the necessary approvals, specifications, filling volume can be found in the repair and operating manual for your car model (or similar cars that have the same type of transfer case installed).
The influence of the layout of transmission components
The type of transmission fluid will depend not only on the design of the transfer case, but also on the engine-transmission combination. In fully mechanical transfer cases, in which the operating principle is reduced to moving sliding clutches and changing the combination of rotating gears, a simple gear oil is used - API GL 4/5. It is also poured into mechanical gearboxes and differentials of drive axles. But if the same archaic type of transfer case is installed in tandem with an automatic transmission, then instead of regular oil, transmission fluid should be used to automatic boxes transmission - ATF.
Please note that doing the opposite - pouring an automatic transmission into the box when replacing it - is strictly prohibited!
This requirement is due to the fact that the gearbox and transfer case have a common shaft, through which torque is transmitted from the gearbox to the driving axles of the car. To ensure that in the event of oil seal wear, mixing does not lead to foaming, thickening or the formation of an emulsion, in case of replacement, it is recommended to use the same class of technical fluids in both units. The same requirement is put forward for cars with manual transmission, where the transfer case is attached directly to the gearbox housing.
In which transfer cases is it mandatory to use ATF?
The use of ATF is mandatory in transfer cases, the design of which involves blocking the center differential or connecting one of the drive drives with clutch packs. In transfer cases of TOD (Torque-on-demand) systems and Haldex couplings, oil not only performs a lubricating and cooling function, but is also used as a working fluid.
Every manufacturer of newfangled transfer cases recommends original ATF fluid. If you buy an analogue, it is important that the product meets the manufacturer’s tolerances. The generally accepted classification of transmission fluids is called Dexron. In the absence of original products, the oil in the transfer case can be replaced with Dexron IV Service Fill, Dexron V or Dexron VI, but be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for tolerances and specifications. 
Replacement timing
It is necessary to change the oil in a mechanical transfer case approximately once every 100 thousand kilometers. It must be taken into account that the resource greatly depends on operating conditions. If the car is often used in severe off-road conditions or dusty roads, it is advisable to reduce the replacement time by 1/3. Comparable resource and transmission of the rear axle gearbox.
Please note that the oil must be changed if you have crossed a ford where the water level is higher than the location of the transfer case breather.
For electronic transfer cases, the average replacement frequency is 60-70 thousand km. Operating conditions also affect the service intervals for transfer cases with electro-hydraulic drive locks. Frequent sliding and overcoming off-road conditions accelerate oil oxidation and contamination of friction discs with wear products.
Simple verification method
Visual control of the consistency and presence of emulsion can be assessed by unscrewing the filler plug. Use a syringe with a tube of suitable diameter to withdraw a small amount of old oil from the dispenser.
- Changing the oil in the transfer case should be carried out within 10-15 minutes after a trip of at least 5-10 km. During operation, the oil heats up and becomes thinner, which makes it drain better.
- On most cars, the drain and filler holes are made “square”, so to unscrew you only need a ratchet or a wrench of the appropriate size. Of course, this is provided that the bottom is not covered with anther, which will need to be dismantled before replacement.
- The accompanying tool will most likely require a hydraulic syringe for technical fluids. In some cars, using a container with a “spout” allows you to replace it without a syringe.
- On most transfer cases, it is considered normal when the level is slightly below (5-10 mm) the filler hole. You can determine the actual amount of oil poured with your finger or a piece of bent wire. To speed up the process self-replacement, you can fill in oil until it flows out of the level control hole - this will not harm the transfer case or rear axle at all.
DIY Replacement Guide
Instructions for changing the transfer case oil on a VAZ-2121 Niva with your own hands.
In the video you can see how easy it is to change the oil in the transfer case on both the VAZ 2121 (2131, 4x4) and the VW Touareg.