Checking Differential Fluid?

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Dec 28, 2002 | 01:34 AM

Langadorf

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From: La Jolla California

Checking Differential Fluid?

I removed the squareheaded bolt at the middle right of the picture below. This is where you check your differential fluid, correct? As soon as I removed the bolt, thick black fluid started pouring out so I quickly retightened the bolt. Is this normal for it to be that full?

Dec 28, 2002 | 01:59 AM

WESCH

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From: Europe , Luxembourg

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (Langadorf)

Hi
Fluid level should be just at the hole neck.
If you don't know when the fluid was changed last, may be this is a good opportunity to do so.
Don't forget the posi additive.
Removal of the old oil is also through the fill plug. Can be messy.
Good luck.
Have a happy new year. Gunther

Dec 28, 2002 | 02:11 AM

Langadorf

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From: La Jolla California

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (WESCH)

I don't know when the fluid was changed last. How often is it supposed to be changed?

Dec 28, 2002 | 08:33 AM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (Langadorf)

On our GM trucks with posi the GM manual states every 30k miles change the oil. It wouldn't hurt to change it now since you don't know the history of maintenance,if any, on it. Be sure to have the differential as level as possible when checking. I found it easier to remove the LR wheel then reach in with an extension to get the plug out. Drive in figure "8"'s afterward to mix up the posi oil. Good luck,
Gary

Dec 28, 2002 | 08:35 AM

Frankenvette

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From: White Pine / Dandridge TN

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (Langadorf)

I normally do all the work myself on the vette, however, changing the diff fluid is a pain. I took it to the local chevy dealer who only charged me $50.00 for the change. This included 2 bottles of posi fluid. You have to drain the diff fluid by sucking it out. As stated this can get real messy. I watched as the service mechanic lifted the car and took about 10+ minutes to get all the fluid out. I consider this $50.00 cheap for the time it would have taken me under the car.

Jim

Dec 28, 2002 | 11:11 AM

Pedro'74

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From: Clifton Park NY

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (Frankenvette)

I took the car to a Jiffy Lube kind of place. I brought the GM fluid and additive, and they charged me 10-15 bux to change it. It was worth it, for that fluid is pretty thick, and removing the old fluid would have been a pain.

After that I had the rear end rebuilt, and then I had a broken cover, so that fluid was changed more times in the last 2 years than in the whole car's life.

:steering:
-Pedro

[Modified by Pedro'74, 11:13 AM 12/28/2002]

Dec 28, 2002 | 01:44 PM

page62

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From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas

Re: Checking Differential Fluid? (Pedro'74)

Hmmm...I have one of those oil pumps for my boat that uses a vacuum pump to suck the oil out. It might just do the trick . . . but I think I'd drive the car around first to help warm up the fluid and suspend any particles. :cool: