Filling a Diff through the VSS?
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Filling a Diff through the VSS?
I got a chrome differential cover for Christmas, and am looking for some tips. I did a search on this forum, and found a 2003 thread where Racerguy suggested filling the diff through the VSS. I'm assuming that's a variable speed sensor? There is a bolt going into the top of the housing that seems to just be there to hold the brake lines down. Does that go all the way through the housing. Otherwise I'll just be trying to squirt the new diff. fluid in through the side into the fluid level check plug.
Unfortunately I didn't get a fancy cover with a dip stick, fins, magnet, etc.
Any tips on gasket material and type of fluid (it's an open-gear unit, good for one-wheel-peels only) are also appreciated.
Unfortunately I didn't get a fancy cover with a dip stick, fins, magnet, etc.
Any tips on gasket material and type of fluid (it's an open-gear unit, good for one-wheel-peels only) are also appreciated.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
The VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) is on the top of the center of the diff housing. It has 1 electrical connector on it and 1 bolt holding it in. You usually have to carefully wiggle and pry it to remove it. Carefully is the key word or you may break it.
You can fill it through the check plug hole too but through the VSS hole is easier.
For the gasket you just need some good RTV silicone. Make sure the housing and cover are spotlessly clean before you apply the silicone. Brake cleaner is the best for cleaning them.
Ford recommends 75W140 synthetic oil.
You can fill it through the check plug hole too but through the VSS hole is easier.
For the gasket you just need some good RTV silicone. Make sure the housing and cover are spotlessly clean before you apply the silicone. Brake cleaner is the best for cleaning them.
Ford recommends 75W140 synthetic oil.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Thanks for the quick reply. Didn't see anything with an electrical connection on my first trip under the truck ('01 F-150). Guess I'll have to get the creeper out again and find it.
On the old thread I saw 30 lbs torque for the bolt tightness, and 12 lbs on the Hy-Mag installation article on FTE. Which is correct for a stamped steel plain-Jane cover, if it's not too much trouble?
On the old thread I saw 30 lbs torque for the bolt tightness, and 12 lbs on the Hy-Mag installation article on FTE. Which is correct for a stamped steel plain-Jane cover, if it's not too much trouble?
