Changing rear diff fluid - Tips please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 106
Likes: 8
From: WA
So it was a nice day yesterday and I did the Diff fluid change.
First I must say the tip on the flex 3/8 ratchet driver was the difference between completing it in an hour vs. spending half a day under the car just trying to get the fill plug.
Don't waste your time, get a flex ratchet!
Now the diff took about 2.5 l before it started dripping, I did the 10mph for 1 minute routine with the wheels in the air while in 2nd gear and the diff took about 200 ml more before starting to drip again, so I guess thats all it would take.
Now couple of questions for those that also changed the fluid:
1) When doing the 10mph routine, did you get the message "Service stabilitrak" and the ABS and T/C lights came up (all went away after lowering the car and driving for 100 ft)?
2) There was relatively little sludge on the magnetic plugs, but the old fluid itself was pretty much grey and nothing close to the color of the new Dexron LS 75W-90... Is that normal or should be concerning?
3) Last but not least, other than the dripping test, how can you check if the fluid is low? I cant see any way to actually check it is not more than 6mm under the plug...
First I must say the tip on the flex 3/8 ratchet driver was the difference between completing it in an hour vs. spending half a day under the car just trying to get the fill plug.
Don't waste your time, get a flex ratchet!
Now the diff took about 2.5 l before it started dripping, I did the 10mph for 1 minute routine with the wheels in the air while in 2nd gear and the diff took about 200 ml more before starting to drip again, so I guess thats all it would take.
Now couple of questions for those that also changed the fluid:
1) When doing the 10mph routine, did you get the message "Service stabilitrak" and the ABS and T/C lights came up (all went away after lowering the car and driving for 100 ft)?
2) There was relatively little sludge on the magnetic plugs, but the old fluid itself was pretty much grey and nothing close to the color of the new Dexron LS 75W-90... Is that normal or should be concerning?
3) Last but not least, other than the dripping test, how can you check if the fluid is low? I cant see any way to actually check it is not more than 6mm under the plug...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,169
Likes: 861
From: Naples FL
I highly recommend this pump. It's not cheap but makes everything much more pleasant. If you plan to do this regularly, it's a no brainer.
https://www.motiveproducts.com/produ...-1-gallon-tank
https://www.motiveproducts.com/produ...-1-gallon-tank
