Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Repair of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is limited to seals, gaskets and output flange. If any of the geared components, bearings, case cover or internal shafts fail, a new PTU
must be installed.
The PTU is a gearbox that attaches to the transaxle. On automatic transaxle vehicles, 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.