How do I put gear oil in my rear end?
- Step 1: Secure the vehicle on jack stands or ramps.
- Step 2: Allow time for the gear oil to completely drain.
- Step 3: Locate and remove the gear oil fill bolt.
- Step 4: Use a pump to slowly add the recommended type of gear oil to the differential.
What happens if you don’t change rear differential fluid?
If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
How do you top off 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 gear oil goes in a rear end?
Use the highest-quality gear oil you can afford to fill the differential. The weight and capacity will be listed in your owner’s manual; your differential will usually hold as much as 3 quarts.
Is differential oil and transmission oil the same?
In a manual transmission setup, sometimes. 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 is the oil fill plug on a differential?
The oil fill plug is usually located on the front part of the differential near the pinion gear flange. If the differential is equipped with a locking carrier it will have a tag informing of a special fluid or additive that must be used during service. Level inspection plugs are also located on the gear cover plate at the rear of the housing.
What should the gear oil fill plug be?
Now reinsert the differential fill plug by hand to avoid cross threading and finish by tightening the plug to 15 foot pounds of torque. Once the oil fill plug is tight clean excess gear oil from differential using a shop towel. Perform a differential service on a regular basis to ensure the proper operation of the differential.
What to do if gear oil comes out?
If gear oil comes out once the plug is removed it is full and you can reinsert and tighten the plug. Using a small wire or little finger insert it downward into the hole to feel for the fluid. Once you finger or wire has been removed it should be wet with gear oil if the level is okay.
How to check and add automotive differential gear oil?
If this condition is neglected it can cause the differential gears to break and lock up causing the car to stop immediately. There is a video of this job at the bottom of this guide. The car will need be jacked up in the air in most cases to be able to check the gear oil level. Also wear protective eyewear and gloves. 1. Locate Oil Fill Plug