Changing 1997 Explorer rear axle fluid
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Changing 1997 Explorer rear axle fluid
I have a 1997 4.0 Explorer with a 5-speed manual transmission. It has about 207,000 miles and I have never changed the fluid in the rear axle. I thought of it the other day and read the owner's manual and it said to change it every 100,000 miles. (a little late)
Anyway, I got underneath but found no drain or filler plug or any other plug to check the level. The cover plate has 10 mount bolts but that's all I saw.
I guess I have to loosen the mount bolts and drain from the bottom of the cover but how do I refill the rear axle with fluid? The Ford dealer want $140 to do this and I can't see paying that much.
Anyway, I got underneath but found no drain or filler plug or any other plug to check the level. The cover plate has 10 mount bolts but that's all I saw.
I guess I have to loosen the mount bolts and drain from the bottom of the cover but how do I refill the rear axle with fluid? The Ford dealer want $140 to do this and I can't see paying that much.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 279
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From: Jacksonville, NC
There is a fill plug on the front top portion driver side. May be a little awkward to get to. All you need it a 3/8 drive rachet. To drain is like you said is loosen the bolts let it drain and then take the cover off, clean real good and then put back together. Make sure you get a good silacone sealant and put on both side.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
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From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by stanley6516
I have a 1997 4.0 Explorer with a 5-speed manual transmission. It has about 207,000 miles and I have never changed the fluid in the rear axle. I thought of it the other day and read the owner's manual and it said to change it every 100,000 miles. (a little late)
Anyway, I got underneath but found no drain or filler plug or any other plug to check the level. The cover plate has 10 mount bolts but that's all I saw.
I guess I have to loosen the mount bolts and drain from the bottom of the cover but how do I refill the rear axle with fluid? The Ford dealer want $140 to do this and I can't see paying that much.
Anyway, I got underneath but found no drain or filler plug or any other plug to check the level. The cover plate has 10 mount bolts but that's all I saw.
I guess I have to loosen the mount bolts and drain from the bottom of the cover but how do I refill the rear axle with fluid? The Ford dealer want $140 to do this and I can't see paying that much.
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