How do I change my differential fluid?
How do change a vehicle’s differential fluid?
- Lift the vehicle with a jack and place it on jack stands.
- Locate the front or rear differential and its corresponding fill and drain plugs.
- Remove the fill plug first to ensure that it’s not seized on there.
- Carefully remove the drain plug and drain the fluid into a pan.
Does changing the differential fluid make a difference?
Why is it important that I have it changed when recommended? Changing this oil is just as important as changing your engine’s oil, and for the same reason. Metal-to-metal contact wears down surfaces and creates heat from friction, which inevitably weakens the gears and leads to failure.
What type of fluid goes in the 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 much does it cost to flush differential fluid?
All differentials contain oil that needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. With a service interval that long, it’s easy to forget. Here’s how to do the job yourself and extend the life of your vehicle. Having a differential flush done professionally will cost anywhere from $90 to $150.
How do you change the fluid in a rear differential?
Use penetrating oil to get through any rust or grime that’s keeping the plug from loosening. You may need a breaker bar if the plug is difficult to remove. Next, put a drain pan in place and remove the drain plug at the bottom, letting the fluid run into the pan. The drain plug is magnetic, so wipe off any small metal fragments.
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.
When do you need to change differential oil?
Like any fluid in your vehicle, differential oil will eventually break down and require replacing. When this time comes, the job is easy enough to do with some basic tools, the correct fluid, and a little help from this video. Pop into your local Supercheap Auto.
Can a hand pump be used to fill a differential?
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. Hand pumps come in a number of varieties and will allow you to pump the fluid out of the container from beneath the differential.