How often should you change your rear differential fluid

Differential Fluid Change Service Information from Capitol Chevrolet in Salem, OR

Whether your Chevrolet is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, it has one or more differentials that direct the engine power to the wheels. This is done through precision gears that require constant lubrication. Just like every other automotive fluid, the differential oil will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. In our state-of-the-art service department at Capitol Chevrolet, our technicians will replace the fluid in your front, center, and/or rear differential with factory-approved differential fluid, so you know your vehicle is maintained with the best.

Why is it so Important to Have the Differential Fluid in Your Chevy Changed Regularly?

Just like the oil in your engine is there to keep moving metal-on-metal parts well lubricated, the differential oil has the same important job. If the fluid in your differential(s) is neglected for too long, you could be at risk of more serious and expensive repairs. That's because time and normal driving will cause the differential oil to become less effective, which can lead to excessive heat and friction that may result in damage.

How Often Should You have the Differential Fluid Changed in Your Chevrolet?

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. However, different driving demands and other conditions can mean a different differential maintenance schedule. That's why we recommend speaking with one of our friendly service advisors at Capitol Chevrolet.

Schedule Your Vehicle's Next Service Appointment with Capitol Chevrolet Next to Keizer, OR

You may have heard that we do business Your Way on the Parkway at Capitol Chevrolet, and that means we want to make things as easy as possible. Scheduling your next Chevy or GM service, maintenance, or repair is simple online. However, we can typically handle most basic maintenance like oil changes without an appointment when you stop by our convenient location at 2855 Maple Ave Ne, Salem, OR 97301.

What's the Difference of Expert Dealership Service at Capitol Chevrolet Serving Dallas, OR?

Chevrolet engineering has been an industry leader for over a century, and it's important to trust those who know your Chevy best when the time comes for maintenance, service, and repair. That's why we staff our state-of-the-art service center at Capitol Chevrolet with some of the best factory-trained technicians around. No one knows Chevrolet and GM engineering better, and we'll only use genuine OEM and factory-approved parts when taking care of your Chevy. If you're a military veteran, current member of the armed forces, educator, or senior, be sure to ask us about our Perks on the Parkway. These help you save money, and so do our frequently updated special vehicle service offers that are available to everyone. Stop by on a Wednesday morning to join us for complimentary Capitol Pancakes, and treat yourself to a better dealership experience at Capitol Chevrolet, serving Silverton and Woodburn, OR.

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Many drivers don’t even know what a differential is, because it’s one of the least common spoken about parts of a car. However, all cars have cogwheels which may be found on the rear or front side of the car, or even on both ends. Cars with a front differential and a built-in transaxle use different oil from cars with a rear differential. They need fully synthetic oil like SAE75 while rear cogwheels need thicker oil like SAE90.

Differential functions

Now you naturally wonder what the cogwheel’s purpose is in a car. They are most importantly needed while cars turn curves. When a car turns a corner, the outside wheel generally covers more ground than the wheel on the inside of the turn. Though there’s not much of a variance, as cars are precision vehicles, it is enough to lead to eventual huge damage. This is where the cogwheel comes into play, by compensating for the difference. It’s also why the oil is thick and dense, to keep the differential lubricated while compensating turns.

The gear fluid helps by lubricating the pinion and ring gears which transfer power from the driveshaft to wheel axles. It also keeps the car’s moving parts with the limited-slip cogwheel assembly healthy.So generally, like other oils, gear fluid is needed to both cool and lubricate cogwheels. Its absence only leads to it eventually overheating and burning out because of the repeated contact and friction between metal parts.

How often to change gear oil

Most car manufacturers suggest changing gear fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This time interval, however, is different for rear and front oils. In case of rear oils, it has to be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. In the case of the front, it’s important that you change it a bit earlier, between 25,000 to 30,000 miles. Whatever the situation, unless the fluid has been contaminated with some water, it is always better to check the user’s manual to find out the car’s exact mileage amount, and when it’s better to change the oil.

It is always better to have licensed mechanics change both rear and front differential oils because this is a messy job. The fluid has to be first properly disposed of. Then all the parts in the cogwheel housing have to be wiped down to ensure no contaminants from the old fluid get transferred to the new oil. Based on the condition of the oil and the cogwheel, you may also need a new gasket. Lastly, the most important reason to leave this job to the professionals is that the car has to be lifted to change the oil. The reason for this is that the cogwheel is located under the car.

Importance of changing gear oil on time

Like any other oil in the car, the main reason for changing gear oil is the frequent contact between metal parts in the car leads to its wear and tear. This, in turn, creates a lot of friction which will weaken gears to lead to possible failure. The best way to keep cogwheels working in optimal condition, and to avoid unnecessary expensive repairs, it is better to follow your car manufacturer’s recommended interval for changing gear oil and change it.

How to check differential oil

Checking gear fluid levels in light trucks is actually comparatively easier when compared to cars. Though you may have to spend some time and effort checking the oil, it is worth it. you eventually end up preventing lots of inconvenience and potential problems like gear failures and bad bearings. It is while checking the fluid that you have to look for signs of wetness and leaks around both axle seals and the pinion gear seal. Leaks around the gear cover also indicate low differential fluid levels.

If it’s your new car, check the oil level as soon as you receive your car. This is because many car manufacturers ship their cars with minimal differential fluids, to avoid leakages in transit. In this case, it is the dealer’s responsibility to inspect the car and top up the fluid as required before selling it.

The procedure

As mentioned above, the car has to be jacked up to check the gear oil level and make sure you wear protective eyewear and gloves before starting the check. Look for the oil fill plug that’s usually on the front part of the differential, near the pinion gear flange. Cogwheels that have locking carriers have a tag informing the need of using a special fluid or additive during service. The gear cover plate behind the housing also has level inspection plugs.

Remove the fill port plug using a tool like a 3/8 drive extension and then use a small wire or your little finger to check the fluid level. If it’s full, then the oil should be just below the plug hole’s level. Reinsert the plug in case the oil pours out once the plug is removed. A wet wire means the gear oils levels are okay.  It’s very important that you do not turn the drive shaft or rear wheels while checking the oil levels because it could injure your finger. And if the wire or your finger doesn’t have any oil on it, it means the differential fluid level is low.

The low fluid levels mean it is time to fill it up. Most gear oil quarts come with a small nozzle and hose you can use to easily pour the oil into the service port. Keep filling up till the oil spills out of the service port.

All you have to do is reinsert your little finger to double-check and reconfirm. It’s when all this is done that you have to manually reinsert the differential fill plug to avoid possible cross threading, and then tighten it to 15-foot pounds of torque. You can use a shop towel to wipe off any excess gear oil after tightening the port. It is always better to periodically perform a differential fluid service and check to ensure there’s enough oil for its proper functioning.

Last update on 2022-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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