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I am getting ready to change the fluid in my 2005 Base C6 due to rear end chatter during tight turns. GM TSB's are confusing in that one tells you upon completing the fluid change to raise the car one foot off the ground and to put the vehicle in 2nd gear and run it at 10mph for one minute. Then to recheck the fluid level. Other published TSB's don't mention this step. Is that step meant for vehicle with differential coolers only? The TSB tells you to skip steps 8 - 14 if you don't have a cooler, however, the steps are not numbered? Confused!!!!!
Only need to spin the diff if you have a diff cooler in place, since such is need for the pump in the diff to fill the cooler and lines back up with fluid.
If no cooler, fill to the bottom of the top fill port with the car level on the jack stands
Use this fluid for the diff only. Hence a different fluid may end up with the diff clutch break away values not long at 100ftlbs per side.
Only need to spin the diff if you have a diff cooler in place, since such is need for the pump in the diff to fill the cooler and lines back up with fluid.
If no cooler, fill to the bottom of the top fill port with the car level on the jack stands
Use this fluid for the diff only. Hence a different fluid may end up with the diff clutch break away values not long at 100ftlbs per side.
I am getting ready to change the fluid in my 2005 Base C6 due to rear end chatter during tight turns. GM TSB's are confusing in that one tells you upon completing the fluid change to raise the car one foot off the ground and to put the vehicle in 2nd gear and run it at 10mph for one minute. Then to recheck the fluid level. Other published TSB's don't mention this step. Is that step meant for vehicle with differential coolers only? The TSB tells you to skip steps 8 - 14 if you don't have a cooler, however, the steps are not numbered? Confused!!!!!
I did my rear transaxle oil, 2005, didn't have to do that. That is for a Z06 or GS I believe.
The drain plug can be a PITA to remove. There are two routes you can take.
The "easy" would be to use a ball-end 10mm allen wrench, you will need some type of breaker bar or something to get more leverage on it. This route did not work for me, the factory put that plug in there VERY tight.
I basically took out the rear leaf spring. It is pretty easy just adds some extra time. You remove the upper a-arm bolts,the upper shock mount bolts, and the spring bracket bolts. The suspension will be able to drop down and the rear leaf spring is able to be removed. Watch the first 3 minutes of the video for help;
The drain plug can be a PITA to remove. There are two routes you can take.
The "easy" would be to use a ball-end 10mm allen wrench, you will need some type of breaker bar or something to get more leverage on it. This route did not work for me, the factory put that plug in there VERY tight.
I basically took out the rear leaf spring. It is pretty easy just adds some extra time. You remove the upper a-arm bolts,the upper shock mount bolts, and the spring bracket bolts. The suspension will be able to drop down and the rear leaf spring is able to be removed. Watch the first 3 minutes of the video for help; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tKSCfmhTBU
Once I was able to move the leaf spring out of the way I used a 10mm allen head socket with an 18" breaker bar and it was still not easy to remove.
NOW I'm terrified Jared I'm always afraid of stripping the head on over tightened fasteners. Thanks for the heads up.
Oh yeah. Ensure you can take the fill plug out FIRST. Once the fill plug is lose, THEN you can work on the drain plug. You don't want to drain the fluid then find you can't fill it back up.
I did my rear transaxle oil, 2005, didn't have to do that. That is for a Z06 or GS I believe.
Cars sold in Europe have a diff cooler. If you ever build a new diff, get the side cover for a European Z51 and it will have the holes and mounts for the cooler. Will fit 06 and up for sure, not sure about the 05 since the diff is slightly different.
Also you don't have a transaxle, you have a separate trans and diff.
NOW I'm terrified Jared I'm always afraid of stripping the head on over tightened fasteners. Thanks for the heads up.
Did mine a few years back. Did it in a friend's driveway where he had a little bit of a slope. I was able to crawl under the car straight in from the back. I had enough room to get a socket in there and loosen the drain. I had initially lifted the rear but the weight of the rear tires arched the leaf spring just enough to where the socket couldnt wouldnt slide between the spring and diff. You'll understand when you see it. I would try this first before you start dropping the rear. It took me just a few mins using this method.
Thanks Curt
2005 Base Differential Fluid Change Question
I'm always afraid of stripping the head on over tightened fasteners. Thanks for the heads up.
