>I would drain it after the trip and check for metal, but have been told
>that it's a real pain to get new fluid back in the unit, that you have to
>"pump it in".
>
>Sound correct?

Yes, that's the best, but I used Castrol 80/90 oil which comes in a squeeze 
bottle with tip like a caulking tube. I added about 18" of vinyl tubing and 
it worked fine. Not fun though, on your back, spilling oil periodically, 
while holding the bottle upside down in the wheel well. You need a 17mm 
Allen key to get out the plugs, screw 2 17 mm nuts really tightly together 
on a 17 mm bolt then use it with a wrench to turn the plug out.  Use the 
same thing to get the drain plug out, it IS a pain. tim s.