The Role of the Transfer Case in Your Vehicle

If you have four-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) in your vehicle, the transfer box is going to be part of the drivetrain. Its role is to transfer power between the axles to help the vehicle get maximum traction on wet, snowy or icy roads. Depending on a vehicle’s design, power may be distributed automatically or manually.

The transfer case may either be considered married or divorced from the transmission itself. Married transfer cases are bolted or otherwise secured right to the transmission while a divorced case is placed elsewhere along the drivetrain. Independent transfer cases are usually used in larger vehicles such as commercial trucks.

Proper lubrication is essential to keeping the components within the transfer case working properly. Engine oil may be used for lubrication purposes as well as to keep the parts cool. Vehicle owners can visit West Herr Ford of Rochester to have this component serviced.