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The differential transfers torque from the driveshaft to the axles, providing power to the wheels. A rear differential needs lubrication to prevent gear wear, and a differential oil change is necessary every 15,000 miles. The process involves raising the vehicle, removing the fluid fill plug and the differential cover, degreasing the gears, replacing the gasket, and adding fresh fluid.
A vehicle’s differential is a part of the drive train that transfers torque from the driveshaft to the axles, which in turn provides power to the wheels. A vehicle may have one differential or two, depending on whether the vehicle is rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. A rear differential is mounted at the rear of the vehicle on rear-wheel drive vehicles, and the gears within that gearbox must be lubricated to prevent gear wear. Excess heat can lead to breakdown of the fluid in the case, which means a differential oil change will be necessary.
The vehicle manufacturer will usually describe how often a differential oil change is necessary. You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual that came with the sale of your vehicle, but if you don’t have a manual, you can visit the manufacturer’s website or contact them by phone. It is common for a vehicle to need a differential fluid change approximately every 15,000 miles (24,140 km). However, if you use your vehicle for frequent long trips, you may need a differential oil change more frequently. Towing trailers and other heavy objects can also lead to the need for more frequent changes, as can off-road driving conditions.
Performing a differential oil change is not exceptionally difficult, but it will take a bit of time and patience. The vehicle will need to be raised off the ground if it is a low clearance vehicle, and the wheels will need to be blocked or otherwise stabilized so that the person performing the differential oil change can safely work under the vehicle. The fluid fill plug must be removed first, then all but the top differential cover bolts must be removed. This allows the oil inside the case to drain slowly, not all at once.
After most of the fluid has drained, the cover can be completely removed and the gears inside degreased. The gasket between the cover and the casing will need to be removed and replaced with a new one; It is important to choose the correct gasket to withstand the temperatures the differential will reach during normal use. Gasket removal and installation must be done carefully to avoid damage to the differential case. Once the cover has been replaced, fresh fluid can be put into the differential through the fluid plug.
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