November 07, 2007
Wear in Magnesium Transfer Case Housings
Gregg Nader
Accelerated wear of magnesium transfer case housings has been documented anytime internal parts move against the magnesium. This is especially evident in New Venture/New Process 136, 149, 236, 246, 261 and 263 transfer cases. The sharp edges of the aluminum pump locating tabs cut through the soft magnesium, or other times the sharp edges of the OE U-shaped insert wear a larger area above the pump tabs.
A small amount of movement of the pump is necessary to keep the pump centered on the output shaft. Any metal in contact with the magnesium causes rapid fretting wear of the soft magnesium, resulting in pinhole leaks.
Sonnax transfer case pump plate kit 100246-02K eliminates all metal-to-magnesium contact of the pump by replacing the OE pump tabs with low-friction plastic inserts, and eliminating the U-shaped steel insert. The Sonnax tab design relocates contact away from the original wear points, so any weld or patches on worn housings will not be disturbed.
November 07, 2007
Gregg Nader