Table of Contents
Generally speaking, differential fluid should be changed anywhere from every 30,000 miles to 60,000 miles. Your Chevrolet Owner’s manual should outline differential fluid changes in the recommended maintenance schedule.
What happens if you don’t change your differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. 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.
Does differential oil need to be changed?
Every once in a while your rear end needs a little help. Whether you drive a rear-, front-, or all-wheel-drive vehicle, the wheels spin by way of a differential. Just like engine oil, the differential fluid must be changed at regular intervals. Not quite as often, but at regular intervals nonetheless.
When should I change my rear differential fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend that the differential fluid be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. It is a messy job, and should be done by a licensed mechanic.
How often should you change your front differential oil?
Most manufacturer maintenance schedules require the differential fluid to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, however, it can differ between vehicles. The job itself is actually pretty easy, however, if you’re planning to change your vehicle’s differential fluid at home, then it can get messy.
How much does differential fluid change cost?
Differential Fluid Change Cost The fluid itself can cost between $30 and $80, and labor will run between $40 and $70. All together, you’re looking at somewhere in the range of $70 to $150 to change your differential fluid depending on your vehicle, where you take it, and how much differential fluid it needs.
What are the symptoms of low differential fluid?
If the gear oil runs low or becomes excessively dirty, it can cause the gears to whine or howl as they turn. The whining or howling is caused by lack of lubrication and may increase in volume as vehicle speed increases.
What is the difference between gear oil and differential oil?
Differential oil, which is also known as gear oil, is thicker compared to engine oil. The heavy-duty automobile fluid works under high pressure to ensure that all the gears, clutch packs, and bearings are continuously oiled, keeping all the differentials working smoothly and safely.
How do you fix a noisy differential?
How to Quiet Differential Whine Prep the area. Replace Differential Fluid. Replace the seal. Test the Vehicle. Inspect rear differential gasket, pinion seal, and side seal. Clean the housing. Replace broken parts. Lubricate and re-install axle into differential.
Is differential fluid the same as transmission fluid?
Oils for differentials, transfer cases, and all geared mechanism have different requirements than transmission fluids. They may be called oils, but are not at all interchangeable. Always use the manufacturer’s recommendations for differential fluid. If you have a manual transmission, it may be the same.
How do you diagnose differential problems?
This is why it is important to pay attention to signs of differential trouble, including the following. Tire Damages. If you notice strange damages on the sidewall and outer tread of your vehicle’s tires, it may be caused by failing differential components. Hard to Handle. Vibrations. Gears Grinding. Whining Sounds.
How much is a rear differential?
You can expect a rear differential replacement to cost up to $4,000. Now that you know what to expect for a rear differential repair you have the information to decide whether or not a replacement is worth the cost and if a new car might make the most sense for you.
What kind of oil do I put in rear differential?
The construction and maintenance of front differentials mirror that of the rear on the same vehicle. Most differentials call for SAE 75w90 gear oil, however some heavy-duty and limited-slip differentials need SAE 75w140 gear oil. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper weight oil to use.
How long does it take to change differential oil?
Our certified technicians can perform this service in about 10 minutes – while you wait in the convenience of your car. Plus, you could save between 20% to 50% versus the dealership. Many auto manufacturers recommend replacing differential fluid at regularly scheduled intervals. Check your owner’s manual for details.
Does Jiffy Lube Check differential fluid?
Just pull into any Jiffy Lube service center within 3,000 miles of your Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change and technicians will check your tire pressure as well as check and fill, if necessary, up to 2 quarts of vital fluids including oil (the same type originally purchased), transmission, power steering,.
How do you know if your rear differential needs fluid?
5 SIGNS OF A DIFFERENTIAL PROBLEM Service Past Due. Like all components of your vehicle, your differential needs periodic service. Leaking Differential Oil. Strange Noises. Vibrations. Unusual Smells.
What causes a differential to go bad?
The leading cause of a differential failing is due to using the wrong lubricant type and specialty lubricants. When water enters it will emulsify the differential lubricant and result in rusting on gear and bearing surfaces. Seized U-joints that result in vibration can cause differential failure as well.
Can rear differential cause transmission problems?
When the differential doesn’t perform well, it creates metal-on-metal friction that wears down surfaces. The resulting heat weakens gears and can cause component failure and transmission problems.
Is all differential oil the same?
Axles, differentials, final drives and other gear sets used in mobile equipment applications all require specific lubricants designed for the heavy loads and the sliding and rolling forces associated with the operation of gears. All gear lubricants are definitely not the same.
