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Should you change the oil in your rear differential?
Because the differential is at the rear and under the car, it gets none of the star treatment that the engine up front does. But if lubrication in the car differential fails, you won’t be getting very far for very long. Fortunately, you only need to change this oil every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Can I change differential fluid myself?
Changing the fluid in a differential is almost as easy as changing the oil in the engine. However, the process can differ between vehicles since some differentials only have two plugs — one for filling the fluid and another for draining it – while other vehicles require you to remove the housing cover.
How often should rear differential fluid be changed?
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.
How do I change the gear oil on my differential?
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.
Is gear oil the same as differential fluid?
Differential oil is sometimes referred to as gear oil and is found in the axle housing. It’s designed to perform under high-pressure situations, rather than high temperatures like engine oil. Differential fluid: Lubricates the ring and pinion gears that move power to the wheel axles from the driveshaft.
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 happens if you never change 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.
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 much does it cost to change rear differential fluid?
Differential Fluid Change Cost Changing differential fluid isn’t too expensive. The fluid itself can cost between $30 and $80, and labor will run between $40 and $70.
What gearbox oil should I use?
As a general rule high viscosity oils are best for low speed, loaded gears with a rough surface. Higher viscosity provides a thicker film, higher wear resistance, and less deformation of the gears as time goes on. Low viscosity oils, on the other hand, are best for high speed systems with lower load.
What is the best differential fluid?
Editor’s Choice: Red Line 75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil. Red Line Synthetic Oil is one of the top companies making synthetic lubricants for all parts of your car. Lucas Synthetic Racing Gear Oil. Royal Purple Max-GEAR. Liqui Moly Fully Synthetic Gear Oil. Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Lube LS.
How do you know if your rear differential needs fluid?
Here are the most common bad differential symptoms to look out for: Your vehicle is quickly going through oil. Difficulty steering. A loud front differential noise, such as the grinding of gears, clunking, or a “howling” sound. Rear differential noises. Extensive and inexplicable wear and tear on your tires.
What causes damage to the rear differential?
The most common cause of a bad differential is lack of oil, which could result in grinding at high speed, cause the carrier to break, or in most cases, block the rear wheels. It often happens when you have a worn-out differential seal or a cracked housing which could cause oil leaks.
How is gear oil made?
Synthetic gear oil is chemical-based gearbox oil made up of polyalphaolefins (PAO), esters oils or polyglycols. Synthetic gear oils are multigrade and have every preventive additive included as part of its makeup. This gearbox oil can be run at extremely high or low temperatures.
Does gear oil go bad?
Currently, according to known oil specialists and lubrication laboratory testing a non-used or non-opened lubricant, engine oil, ATF, coolant, antifreeze, transmission fluid, grease, gear oil, transfer case fluid or brake fluid product has no expiration date.
What color should rear differential fluid be?
If you have water in your oil or differential fluid, it will be a brown color like a chocolate milkshake.
