Where do I fill up my differential fluid?
The refill bolt is usually on the passenger side, in front of the axle about halfway up on the differential casing. The small plug will unscrew and reveal the refill opening. Pour the correct differential fluid through this hole until it seeps back out.
How much does it cost to drain and fill differential fluid?
You’ll only pay somewhere between $80 and $140 for differential fluid change. The labor should be between $50 and $70, while parts can cost anywhere from $30 to $70.
How long does it take to drain differential fluid?
This service usually takes about 10 minutes per differential.
Can I overfill my differential fluid?
No, it’s really hard to overfill a differential with oil to cause a failure.
What kind of fluid do you put in a rear differential?
gear oil
Every front or rear axle is filled with a special oil (also called differential fluid, or gear oil) that takes care of this. The differential fluid lubricates the gears, bearings and other internal parts, and provides cooling to these components as well.
How often should I change my diff fluid?
Usually, differential fluid is changed after every 30k to 60k miles driven. This is a tough job, so must be handled by an expert technician. Only an experienced mechanic can properly wipe out the old different fluid from your vehicle’s drive-train.
What happens if you over fill a rear differential?
It would not hurt to remove the extra fluid. Also if you get a rear axle seal leaking, you will ruin the shoes and make a mess that would not otherwise be there if the level was proper.
What happens if you overfill differential?
Super Moderator. Actually, there is one reason to overfill the diff. If you have rotated the differential upward to use a Double Cardan rear driveshaft, you rotate the pinion too high to keep the bearings bathed in fluid. Again, it can result in leaking at the axle seals but that’s better than fried pinion bearings.
Can I drive without differential fluid?
Generally speaking, your Car ,just can’t run out of differential fluid . For that to happen you’ll have to go on driving for a long long time without any service of the vehicle ,which I’m sure no sensible motorist would do.
Is differential oil the same as transmission fluid?
Differentials use gear oil/fluid. A manual transmission also uses gear oil but the viscosity may be a bit different. In an automatic transmission, definitely not; the fluid is much thinner and is called ATF – automatic transmission fluid.
Where do you drain the fluid from a differential?
Along the bottom of the differential there is a bolt that can be removed to drain the fluid. The drain bolt will resemble the one you might remove from an oil pan to drain the oil from the engine. Place a container beneath the differential. Make sure you have a sealable container to catch the old differential fluid as you drain it from the vehicle.
What’s the best way to fill a differential?
Use a hand or socket wrench to remove the filler bolt. Set the bolt aside some place safe so you don’t lose it as you fill the differential. Insert a pump into the differential fluid. Use a hand pump to fill the differential with fluid. You will not be able to pour the fluid directly in because of the angle.
Where is the fill plug on a front differential?
• Fill plug is located on the front of the Front Differential, and on the rear of the Rear Differential. • Clean the area around the fill plug before removing. • Make sure the Hex Key is fully inserted into the fill plug. Clean the hole with a pick if necessary. 2. Check Fluid Level.
Where can I dispose of old differential fluid?
Place the container beneath the drain bolt so the fluid will pour into the container once you remove it. Used differential fluid will need to be brought to a certified recycling location. Do not mix old differential fluid with oil or gasoline. Remove the drain bolt.