Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Principles of Operation: Notes
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is a gearbox that attaches to the transaxle. Vehicles equipped with the 3.0L engine have the 6F35 transaxle and those with the 3.5L engine have the Aisin AW21 transaxle. The PTU design is similar between the two. The RH intermediate shaft passes through the PTU and engages the differential side gear as in normal Front Wheel Drive (FWD) applications. The PTU directs power to the rear driveshaft through a helical gear spline coupled to the transaxle differential case, a helical gear drop (idler gear) and hypoid/helical ring gear assembly and pinion set. The PTU is sealed from the transaxle and has its own oil sump.
Serviceable components of the PTU are limited to the output shaft seal and flange, intermediate shaft seal and deflector, cover seal and the PTU-transaxle compression seal. The internal components are not serviced. Do not remove the cover of the PTU. If any of the geared components, bearings, case cover or internal shafts are worn or damaged, a new PTU must be installed.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.